Berhampur: After two-and-a-half years into its tenure, the BJP government in Odisha is facing an uncomfortable reality check on the ground. As floodwaters triggered by Cyclone ‘Arnab’ continue to wreak havoc across Ganjam, public anger is spilling onto the streets, with ministers and ruling party MLAs increasingly finding themselves on the receiving end of villagers’ fury.
In an unprecedented show of public resentment, two ministers and three MLAs have faced protests, heckling and angry confrontations over alleged administrative apathy, delayed relief and the collapse of basic services. For the political leadership, visiting flood-hit villages has turned into anything but a routine exercise.
The most dramatic incident unfolded in Khallikote, where MLA Purnachandra Sethi, who also chairs the District Planning Board, faced an aggressive confrontation during his visit to Kumari village under Purushottampur block. Frustrated residents alleged that relief materials had not reached them, electricity remained disrupted and drinking water was unavailable.
As villagers bombarded the MLA with questions, an agitated person reportedly wrapped a traditional towel around his neck and dragged him amid the commotion.Sethi later received medical treatment and lodged a complaint with the police.
The anger had been building for days. More than 100 villagers, including women, had staged a sit-in outside the local Tehsil office seeking relief. The following morning, residents blocked the Purushottampur-Humma road and launched a hunger strike. The blockade was lifted only after the local police intervened and persuaded the protesters to withdraw.
Minister of Commerce and Transport Bibhuti Bhusan Jena too encountered public hostility near the BJD office in Hinjilicut. Residents cornered him over damaged roads and poor mobile network connectivity. The situation turned tense following controversial remarks attributed to the Minister. With attempts to pacify the crowd proving unsuccessful, the District Collector was contacted, and Jena eventually left the spot.
In another embarrassing episode for the government, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik faced an angry crowd in Nuagada village of Sorada block. Residents accused the administration of failing to provide relief and assistance to cyclone-affected families. The Minister summoned the BDO and directed officials to arrange cooked food. But the announcement failed to calm tempers.Instead, he faced verbal abuse and eventually left the village amid the humiliation.
Aska MLA Saroj Padhi also had to beat a retreat, turning his vehicle around after encountering strong public opposition.
Launching a scathing attack over the issue, BJD MP Manas Ranjan Mangarajsaid, “Odisha Government’s failure in handling a major disaster has been exposed during Cyclone Arnab. While the entire government machinery appeared focused on Malkangiri and the Mahanadi, Ganjam and Gajapati bore the brunt of the devastation. The administration failed to anticipate the severe impact of the Rushikulya floods. The government cannot shift the blame to others for its own shortcomings. Once again, Ganjam and Gajapati, despite their longstanding vulnerability to cyclones and floods, appear to have been neglected. Who will take responsibility? Where is the accountability? There is neither regret nor remorse, let alone any visible course correction. Instead, the government continues to boast about its disaster management. A deeply disappointing state of affairs!”.
The unfolding scenes across Ganjam point to a widening disconnect between the administration and disaster-hit communities. For villagers struggling without electricity, drinking water, road connectivity and relief, political visits are no substitute for immediate assistance, said a local leader.