The resignation of Raghubar Das as Odisha’s Governor has sparked a wave of relief and renewed hope across the state. For months, Das’s tenure had been overshadowed by allegations of abuse of power, culminating in the shocking incident involving his son, Lalit Kumar. This disgraceful episode, in which a government official was reportedly assaulted, has left a deep scar on Odia pride and raised serious questions about the accountability of those in power.
The Incident That Shook Odisha
On July 7, Assistant Section Officer Baikuntha Pradhan, deployed at Puri’s Governor’s House during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit, was allegedly assaulted and mentally tortured by Lalit Kumar and his associates. The attack reportedly occurred under the nose of Raghubar Das himself, bringing the sanctity of the Governor’s House into question. Pradhan lodged an FIR with the Sea Beach Police Station three days later, but the case saw little progress, leading to widespread outrage.
Pradhan’s wife, Sayoji, expressed her anguish, stating, “This incident has deeply hurt the Odia community. An outsider used his position to humiliate and harm a government officer, and justice has been delayed far too long.”
Das’s Departure: A Turning Point
The resignation of Raghubar Das, accepted by President Droupadi Murmu, signals the end of a tumultuous era. The move has been widely welcomed, as it removes the shield of gubernatorial immunity that seemed to protect Das and his son from facing the consequences of their actions.
The appointment of Mizoram Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati as the new Governor of Odisha marks a new chapter, one that promises to restore dignity and justice to the state.
Mohan Majhi: A Beacon of Justice and Accountability
Amid this controversy, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has emerged as a leader committed to upholding justice. Unlike the inaction that marked Das’s tenure, Majhi’s government has pledged to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations.
Speaking on the issue, CM Majhi reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the rule of law. “No one is above the law, and no one should misuse their power to evade justice. My government stands with the people of Odisha in ensuring that justice is served,” he stated.
Opposition’s Critique of Das’s Tenure
Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik was vocal in his criticism of Das’s handling of the issue. Patnaik questioned the selective application of the law, asking, “Is the son of a Governor immune to prosecution? If this is the case, the people of Odisha deserve an explanation.”
This sentiment resonated across party lines, as many demanded swift action against Lalit Kumar and the other accused. The Odisha Assembly also saw heated debates, with several legislators calling for a transparent investigation into the matter.
Restoring Odia Pride
Raghubar Das’s departure has given Odisha a chance to reclaim its dignity. The state’s rich cultural heritage and values demand leaders who respect and uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and accountability. Under CM Mohan Majhi’s leadership, Odisha is now on the path to restoring its pride by addressing past wrongs and ensuring that such incidents are never repeated.
A New Era for Odisha
As Odisha turns the page on Raghubar Das’s tarnished legacy, the focus now shifts to ensuring justice for Baikuntha Pradhan and his family. The Majhi government’s proactive stance sends a clear message: no one, regardless of their position or connections, is above the law.
This moment serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the Odia people, who continue to demand accountability and justice from their leaders. With Mohan Majhi at the helm, Odisha is poised to set an example for the nation by demonstrating that true leadership lies in serving the people and upholding the values of democracy and justice.