In a blistering press conference at Sankha Bhawan today, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) accused the ruling BJP government of running a two-tier justice system on social media — one that shields its supporters while crushing anyone who dares criticise its governance.
Former Minister and BJD Vice-President Pratap Jena, Senior General Secretary Pranab Balabantaray and Spokesperson Dr Lenin Mohanty pulled no punches, alleging that ordinary citizens, opposition leaders and even women politicians are facing arrests, police summons, intimidation and account suspensions simply for voicing grievances.
“Those who support the BJP Government on social media appear to be treated under a different set of laws,” Jena declared. “On the other hand, those expressing opinions against the BJP Government on social media are facing action. They are allegedly being arrested, summoned to police stations, intimidated, and even threatened with death.”
Jena highlighted the suspension of social media accounts of Rajya Sabha MP Sulata Deo and Biju Chhatra Janata Dal President Ipsita Sahu after they posted against the government. He also claimed that accounts promoting the BJD are being deliberately targeted. The senior leader demanded immediate arrest of those behind the “vulgar and abusive” character assassination campaign against Ipsita Sahu, pointing out that while critic Biswajit Sahu of Cuttack was allegedly arrested for criticising the government, no action has been taken against BJP IT cell members indulging in personal attacks.
Pranab Balabantaray said the BJP’s claim of being a “government of the people” rings hollow when it refuses to listen to people’s grievances. “Anyone criticising the Double Engine Government is becoming a victim of retaliation,” he said, adding that swift police action follows any criticism of the Chief Minister, but derogatory remarks against former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on social media go unpunished.
The leaders listed several flashpoints that have triggered public anger and subsequent alleged crackdowns: more than 2,000 errors in school textbooks, delays in social security allowances, deteriorating law and order, and alleged misuse of public funds during Pakhala Divas celebrations. Anyone exposing these issues on social media, they claimed, becomes a target.
Dr Lenin Mohanty reminded the gathering that the Supreme Court had struck down Section 66A of the IT Act, affirming citizens’ right to free expression online. “The BJP Government is allegedly disregarding this legal position and continues to take action against those criticising it on social media,” he said. He accused the BJP IT cell of functioning as a “disguised weapon” to abuse and intimidate people, while police — instead of restoring law and order — appear more interested in arresting social media users to show “efficiency.”
Issuing a clear warning, Dr Mohanty said the BJD will not stay silent. “If the BJP Government continues its attempts to suppress the voice of the people, the BJD will launch a statewide agitation in the coming days.”
The press conference has once again brought into sharp focus the growing confrontation between the ruling BJP and the opposition BJD over issues of governance, accountability and freedom of expression in Odisha.
