Bhubaneswar, Nov 28: A heated debate unfolded in the Odisha Assembly on Friday as Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan accused the previous Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government of providing extraordinary security cover to a senior bureaucrat.

Without directly naming former 5T Secretary and ex-BJD leader VK Pandian, Harichandan alleged that as many as 72 police personnel were deployed for his personal protection, a move that diverted manpower from police stations and routine law-and-order duties.

Speaking during a discussion on a motion in the House, the Minister pressed opposition members to explain why such an unprecedented arrangement was made for one individual, when even the sitting Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi does not require such a large contingent today. He argued that the deployment broke established security protocols and raised questions about the misuse of state resources.

Harichandan further pointed out that currently no government officer in Odisha enjoys Z+ or Y+ category security, underscoring the exceptional nature of the earlier decision. He demanded that BJD legislators justify the rationale behind extending such protection, which he suggested symbolizes the political influence wielded by Pandian during the previous government.

Also Read: Odisha Govt Revamps Surrender Policy For Left Wing Extremists

The issue has reignited debate over the allocation of police resources, accountability in governance, and the political implications of bureaucratic roles in state administration.

In response to another query, Harichandan informed the House that the state government plans to establish 21 fast-track courts, as against the Centre’s earlier proposal for 45, citing practical considerations in implementation.