Union Minister on Sunday severely criticised the attack on Utkal Bharat president Kharabela Swain at Kashipur in Rayagada district on Saturday.
“Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik looks tolerant outside, but he gets pleasure by disrespecting people who disagrees with him and criticises him,” alleged Pradhan in a video message posted in the social media.
Pradhan said he has conveyed his protest against the attack on Swain to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police.
“Agreement, disagreement and discussions in politics are parts of a democratic process. Swain and other opposition political persons have the right to criticise the Chief Minster and vice-versa. Bus use of the Biju Yuva Vahini, which is formed with the taxpayers’ money, to attack opponents is very disappointing,” said Pradhan.
He wanted to know why a Crime Branch investigation ordered into the incident and why police didn’t provide protection to Swain at the meeting venue despite his prior request.
He alleged that advisors of the Chief Minister have turned out to be cruel ahead of elections.
BJP general secretary Bhrugu Baxipatra alleged that the State Government has ordered a Crime Branch investigation into the incident only to protect the attackers.
“The BJP is condemning the attack on Kharabela Swain. An Emergency-like situation has emerged in the State now. The State Government has adopted a path of violence to suppress the voice of opposition parties,” he alleged.