Odisha's Administrative Protest: A Clash of Duty and Justice

In Odisha, administrative functions were disrupted as Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) officers continued their 'cease work' protest for a third day. The strike, largely observed across the state except in Puri and flood-hit areas, was prompted by an assault on Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahoo.

A high-level meeting led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi sought to resolve the issue, while Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari appealed to officers to resume work, considering ongoing floods and the upcoming Rath Yatra. Despite five arrests, officers extended the protest, demanding the arrest of BJP leader Jagannath Pradhan.

Political tensions are escalating, with BJP alleging the protest is a maneuver by BJD to defame the government. However, BJD denies these claims, urging for due process in the investigation. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized no one is above the law, advocating appropriate action in the incident.

(With inputs from agencies.)