Systemic failure of governance in state, says Oppn

The deadly attack on a minor girl by a group of miscreants who set her on fire in Balanga area of Puri district on Saturday morning drew severe condemnation from the opposition BJD and the Congress, which attributed the incident to a systemic failure of governance.

- BIJOY PRADHAN @ Bhubaneswar

In a strongly worded statement, leader of Opposition and BJD president Naveen Patnaik expressed his anguish over the shocking incident and squarely blamed the administration for turning the state unsafe for women and girls while making it a haven for criminals under political patronage.

"Deeply anguished to know that a young girl was set on fire in Balanga area of Puri district. This attempt to kill her happened in broad daylight. I strongly condemn this horrible act," Naveen's X post said.