The ongoing strike by the Odisha Revenue Employees’ Association, demanding cadre restructuring, promotions, and salary hikes among a 10-point charter, has disrupted operations in revenue offices across the state for over 10 days, causing significant inconvenience to the public.
The agitation has now taken a political turn, with Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari accusing the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) of orchestrating the protests.
Following a meeting with association representatives at his official residence on Saturday, Minister Pujari claimed, “Certain leaders of the association are being instigated by the BJD to prolong the agitation. I have reports of their meetings with specific leaders. Their aim is not to resolve issues but to use the employees as a shield to oppose the government.” He further alleged that the previous BJD government left behind numerous unresolved issues, which the current administration is working to address. “The cadre restructuring process is in its final stages,” Pujari assured, adding that many employees from various districts have expressed readiness to resume work by Monday, citing misinformation from association leaders. He issued a stern warning that if the strike continues, the government might enforce a “no work, no pay” policy, stating, “The revenue department has many tools at its disposal.”
The BJD has strongly refuted these allegations. Party spokesperson Lenin Mohanty took to X, slamming the minister: “Due to Minister Suresh Pujari’s incompetence, the issues remain unresolved. Instead of addressing them, he is pointing fingers at the BJD. This is unfortunate and condemnable.”
Senior BJD leader and former minister Ashok Chandra Panda echoed this sentiment, telling the media, “The minister’s remarks are like blaming roads for not knowing how to walk. The employees’ demands may be legitimate. The government must resolve the issues in its department instead of shifting blame.”
As the standoff continues, the public bears the brunt of disrupted services, while the political blame game intensifies. The government’s next steps and the employees’ response will likely determine whether this deadlock sees a resolution or further escalation.
