The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Odisha State Government following the emergence of images showing Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Narayan Naik being carried on the back of his Personal Security Officer (PSO) during a visit to Kandhamal district.
Terming the incident a severe breach of human dignity and an example of an arrogant “VIP culture,” BJD Spokesperson Dr. Lenin Mohanty addressed media personnel in Bhubaneswar to condemn the act. Dr. Mohanty stated that the visual of a sitting minister riding on the back of his own security guard is not just shocking, but deeply troubling for public standards.
“This incident exposes how disconnected those in power have become from ground realities,” Dr. Mohanty remarked, adding that the state administration is increasingly weighed down by internal confusion, lack of coordination, and sheer apathy.
The opposition party linked this controversy to broader administrative failures across the state, particularly in the aftermath of Cyclone Arnab. According to the BJD, residents in affected regions like Ganjam and Gajapati are suffering from a “man-made disaster” caused by inadequate relief management and poor official response. Rather than offering swift assistance to stranded families, ministers and local representatives are encountering widespread public resentment and heckling during field visits.
Dr. Mohanty emphasized that treating security personnel without basic respect reflects an underlying mindset that prioritizes convenience over human value. He urged the State Government not to brush the event aside as mere public amusement, but to introspect, uphold the dignity of security staff, and correct its policy direction before public dissatisfaction escalates further.
