Bhubaneswar: Following reduction of security arrangements for former Chief Minister and current Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik, the BJP-led Odisha government has reduced the protection cover of multiple former IAS and IPS officers who held key roles during the BJD government tenure. The recent downgrades, which follow recommendations from a state-level security committee, have fueled debate across Odisha, with critics calling it politically motivated and supporters citing administrative rationalization.
According to officials, Patnaik’s security classification has been downgraded from Z to Y category, reducing his protection detail. The committee’s review concluded that Patnaik, who led the state for five consecutive terms, no longer required the extensive security provided under the previous Z category. Going forward, he will be assigned two constables of Havildar rank, with additional support from local police when traveling outside Bhubaneswar. In addition, Patnaik has appointed two recently retired senior PSOs to assist with his security needs.
BJD leaders reacted strongly to the decision. Amar Patnaik, a prominent leader of the party, labeled the reduction 'extremely unfortunate,' stating that while the government has the legal authority to make such changes, the move lacks 'political decorum.' “It’s within the government’s prerogative, but it’s a disregard for a leader who has served the state for two decades,” he said, adding that the reduction reflects “a lack of respect for Naveen Patnaik’s legacy.”
The security cuts extend beyond Patnaik, affecting senior bureaucrats previously aligned with the former administration. VK Pandian, former private secretary to Patnaik and a once-powerful figure in Odisha’s administrative circles, has also seen his security detail reduced. Two PSOs and SSB personnel assigned to Pandian were removed, and security for several other former IAS and IPS officers, including ex-Western Odisha Development Council Chief Asit Tripathi, and IPS officer DS Kute has been downgraded.
Police officials clarified that the adjustments were made following a routine security review by the state-level committee. Director General of Police YB Khurania described the downgrades as “a standard process,” adding, “Security levels are evaluated periodically to align with on-ground needs.” The committee’s recommendations have particularly impacted officials previously in powerful administrative positions, whose security levels are being re-evaluated based on current relevance.
Notably, the reduction of Patnaik’s security detail has reignited discussions about political retribution, as similar moves were seen shortly after the new government took office. Several BJD supporters argue that the cuts are part of a broader pattern to dismantle the influence of the previous administration. Meanwhile, government insiders defend the decision as a rational allocation of resources, underscoring that these adjustments do not compromise Patnaik’s essential protection as Leader of the Opposition.
On the other hand, Sambalpur MLA and BJP leader Jayanarayan Mishra said the BJD leaders had done a lot of wrong to the people and therefore fear that they might face the public wrath. "Otherwise why would so much noise be made about reducing security cover from the Leader of the Opposition? I had never taken security facility when I was the leader of the opposition. Even now, I being an MLA, have not opted for any protection," he asserted. The changes have been made as per government rules and it should not be a reason of debate and discussion, he added.
However, BJD leader Sanjay DasBurma termed the decision as unfortunate. "There should be respect for someone like Naveen Patnaik. "His stature is not limited to being the leader of the opposition. He continues to be the most popular leader in the state who people revere," he stated.
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