Bhubaneswar, Aug 8: The recent string of disturbing incidents in Odisha — ranging from the self-immolation of a university student to alleged cases of rape and murder — has ignited a fresh round of political confrontations in the state.

While public sentiment demands justice and swift administrative action, the unfolding political narrative suggests a deeper battle: one between governance under pressure and opposition forces eager to capitalise on emotional flashpoints.

At the heart of this political churning lies a paradox — the government claims it is acting decisively, yet the opposition alleges administrative apathy. The state, meanwhile, finds itself caught between outrage and order, facts and fervour.

The cases — particularly the ones in Balasore (Soumyashri Bisi’s self-immolation), Balanga, and Pattamundai — have become more than just isolated criminal events. They have turned into symbols in a larger political tussle. The ruling BJP government, which has been in power for just over thirteen months, is facing a baptism by fire as it grapples with managing law and order while projecting competence.

On the other hand, opposition parties like the BJD and Congress, reeling from electoral setbacks, see an opportunity to reclaim political space by highlighting alleged governance failures. Their persistent protests, hartals, and symbolic gestures — from visiting victims' families to staging statewide bandhs — are textbook opposition tactics. However, the question arises: when does political vigilance cross over into political opportunism?

The state government, as the article argues, has taken steps to ensure impartiality in investigations. Arrests have been made in the Balasore case. In the Pattamundai case, the accused officer was swiftly suspended and the district SP took over the probe. In Balanga, police claim the woman was suffering from mental health issues and that no criminal angle was established — a point that has significantly weakened the opposition’s initial outcry.

But the damage, politically and socially, was already done. Prolonged agitations disrupted administrative machinery, and according to the report, even basic public services were affected. This raises concerns about the responsibility of political parties to balance activism with administrative continuity.

Moreover, the media amplification of these events — often devoid of nuance — has added to the perception battle. The opposition gained early ground by dominating the narrative, even before investigations concluded.

The article takes a clear stance, criticising the opposition for "cheap politics" and "baseless allegations." It argues that if opposition parties are truly committed to the state's well-being, their focus should be on constructive politics — that of economic revival, education, social reform, and infrastructure growth.

Here, it evokes the legacy of Odisha’s past political stalwarts like Nabakrushna Choudhury and Rajendra Narayan Singh Deo, who prioritized development over disruption. The comparison is stark — a reminder that political capital is best spent not on performative outrage, but on tangible outcomes.

This political turbulence comes at a time when Odisha is aiming to rebrand itself — with aspirations of becoming a developed state by 2036, the centenary of its formation. The article warns that unless the political class focuses on core issues — economy, agriculture, employment, health, and education — these aspirations risk becoming hollow slogans.

In this context, public trust in politics as an institution is also at stake. Voters expect both ruling and opposition parties to act as responsible stakeholders. When politics becomes a zero-sum game driven by sensationalism rather than substance, it erodes the very fabric of democracy.

The current political climate in Odisha reflects a larger national pattern — where tragedy often becomes a launchpad for political gain. However, the onus lies on both sides. While the government must ensure justice and transparency, the opposition must avoid turning every issue into a spectacle. The balance between accountability and opportunism is delicate, but crucial.

As Odisha stands at the crossroads of governance and grandstanding, one thing is clear: the state's future should not be held hostage to reactionary politics. A mature, policy-driven political discourse is not just a need — it is a necessity.

(The article is written by senior journalist Akhaya Sahoo)

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