Ruckus in state assembly suggests broader concerns regarding criminalisation of politics in Odisha

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak

On March 11, 2025, an incident occurred in the Odisha State Legislative Assembly where Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were involved in a physical altercation with opposition party members. This event took place within the Assembly, often described as the temple of democracy.

Reports suggest that this incident reflects broader concerns regarding the criminalisation of politics in Odisha. Data from the 2024 state elections indicate that over 50 percent of MLA candidates had criminal records. Among the elected representatives, 58 percent had criminal cases against them, with 46 percent facing serious charges. Additionally, 73 percent of the winning MLAs were identified as crorepatis, or individuals with assets exceeding one crore rupees. These statistics have raised concerns about the quality of democratic representation and governance in the state.

The BJP, which came to power in Odisha on a platform promising good governance and the reduction of criminal influence, has been criticised for an increase in crime rates and concerns regarding law and order. Reports indicate that even elected representatives have experienced safety concerns within the Assembly.

Some analysts argue that such incidents serve as a distraction from public dissatisfaction related to governance issues, including the management of the state’s natural resources. There are claims that political distractions are being used to divert attention from alleged irregularities in resource management and economic inequality.

Observers note that the current political climate in Odisha is marked by rising concerns over the influence of Hindutva politics. Critics argue that aspects of this political ideology may suppress dissent and opposition while promoting the interests of specific economic groups. There are also concerns that populist strategies are being employed to shift public focus away from fundamental socio-economic challenges such as hunger, homelessness, illiteracy, and healthcare.

The incident in the Assembly has been cited by some commentators as indicative of a broader trend toward the criminalisation of politics in Odisha. These developments, they argue, could have long-term implications for democratic governance, social cohesion, and economic progress in the state.

As Odisha navigates these complex political dynamics, there are calls for greater public awareness and civic engagement to ensure the protection of democratic principles and institutions.

Comments

Countrywide protest by gig workers puts spotlight on algorithmic exploitation

By A Representative A nationwide protest led largely by women gig and platform workers was held across several states on February 3, with the Gig & Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU) claiming the mobilisation as a success and a strong assertion of workers’ rights against what it described as widespread exploitation by digital platform companies. Demonstrations took place in Delhi, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra and other states, covering major cities including New Delhi, Jaipur, Bengaluru and Mumbai, along with multiple districts across the country.

CFA flags ‘welfare retreat’ in Union Budget 2026–27, alleges corporate bias

By Jag Jivan The advocacy group Centre for Financial Accountability (CFA) has sharply criticised the Union Budget 2026–27 , calling it a “budget sans kartavya” that weakens public welfare while favouring private corporations, even as inequality, climate risks and social distress deepen across the country.

Swami Vivekananda's views on caste and sexuality were 'painfully' regressive

By Bhaskar Sur* Swami Vivekananda now belongs more to the modern Hindu mythology than reality. It makes a daunting job to discover the real human being who knew unemployment, humiliation of losing a teaching job for 'incompetence', longed in vain for the bliss of a happy conjugal life only to suffer the consequent frustration.

'Gandhi Talks': Cinema that dares to be quiet, where music, image and silence speak

By Vikas Meshram In today’s digital age, where reels and short videos dominate attention spans, watching a silent film for over two hours feels almost like an act of resistance. Directed by Kishor Pandurang Belekar, “Gandhi Talks” is a bold cinematic experiment that turns silence into language and wordlessness into a powerful storytelling device. The film is not mere entertainment; it is an experience that pushes the viewer inward, compelling reflection on life, values, and society.

From water scarcity to sustainable livelihoods: The turnaround of Salaiya Maaf

By Bharat Dogra We were sitting at a central place in Salaiya Maaf village, located in Mahoba district of Uttar Pradesh, for a group discussion when an elderly woman said in an emotional voice, “It is so good that you people came. Land on which nothing grew can now produce good crops.”

The Epstein shock, global power games and India’s foreign policy dilemma

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat* The “Epstein” tsunami has jolted establishments everywhere. Politicians, bureaucrats, billionaires, celebrities, intellectuals, academics, religious gurus, and preachers—all appear to be under scrutiny, even dismantled. At first glance, it may seem like a story cutting across left, right, centre, Democrats, Republicans, socialists, capitalists—every label one can think of. Much of it, of course, is gossip, as people seek solace in the possible inclusion of names they personally dislike.

Michael Parenti: Scholar known for critiques of capitalism and U.S. foreign policy

By Harsh Thakor* Michael Parenti, an American political scientist, historian, and author known for his Marxist and anti-imperialist perspectives, died on January 24 at the age of 92. Over several decades, Parenti wrote and lectured extensively on issues of capitalism, imperialism, democracy, media, and U.S. foreign policy. His work consistently challenged dominant political and economic narratives, particularly those associated with Western liberal democracies and global capitalism.

Paper guarantees, real hardship: How budget 2026–27 abandons rural India

By Vikas Meshram In the history of Indian democracy, the Union government’s annual budget has always carried great significance. However, the 2026–27 budget raises several alarming concerns for rural India. In particular, the vague provisions of the VBG–Ram Ji scheme and major changes to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA) have put the future of rural workers at risk. A deeper reading of the budget reveals that these changes are not merely administrative but are closely tied to political and economic priorities that will have far-reaching consequences for millions of rural households.

Penpa Tsering’s leadership and record under scrutiny amidst Tibetan exile elections

By Tseten Lhundup* Within the Tibetan exile community, Penpa Tsering is often described as having risen through grassroots engagement. Born in 1967, he comes from an ordinary Tibetan family, pursued higher education at Delhi University in India, and went on to serve as Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile from 2008 to 2016. In 2021, he was elected Sikyong of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), becoming the second democratically elected political leader of the administration after Lobsang Sangay.

Search This Blog