Odisha Revenue Staff Strike Triggers Political Firestorm Between BJD and BJP

Bhubaneswar, August 23(OT Webdesk): The ongoing strike by the Odisha Revenue Employees’ Association has entered its second week, paralyzing operations across revenue offices and inconveniencing citizens statewide.

The employees are demanding cadre restructuring, promotions, and salary hikes under a 10-point charter.

What began as a protest over administrative grievances has now escalated into a full-blown political standoff.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari has accused the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) of instigating the strike to destabilise the government. “Certain leaders of the association are being used as pawns,” Pujari alleged, citing reports of meetings between association members and BJD figures.

He added that the cadre restructuring process is nearing completion and warned that the government may invoke a “no work, no pay” policy if the strike continues. “The department has tools at its disposal,” he said.

The BJD swiftly rejected the allegations. Party spokesperson Lenin Mohanty criticised Pujari’s handling of the situation, calling the accusations “baseless and condemnable.” Senior leader Ashok Chandra Panda likened the minister’s remarks to “blaming roads for not knowing how to walk,” urging the government to address the employees’ demands rather than deflect blame.

As the impasse deepens, public services remain disrupted, and the political rhetoric intensifies. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the deadlock ends in resolution or further escalation.