Naveen Patnaik urges action over BJD MLA attack

Bhubaneswar, May 23: Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik has urged Chief Minister Mohan Majhi to take strict action against those involved in the violent attack on Athgarh MLA Ranendra Pratap Swain.

The incident occurred on May 22 when Swain was allegedly blocked and assaulted by BJP-backed miscreants while heading to a Tigiria Panchayat Samiti meeting.

Patnaik, in a strongly worded letter to the Chief Minister, described the attack as a direct assault on democracy.

He warned that if elected representatives are unsafe, ordinary citizens’ security is equally at risk.

Stressing the gravity of the situation, Patnaik demanded immediate measures to restore law and order and ensure the safety of all citizens.

The incident has sparked political tension in Odisha, with concerns mounting over partisan violence and the protection of democratic institutions.