The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Government in Odisha on Thursday (October 9, 2025) sharply reacted to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s remarks on the recent communal violence in Cuttack.

Ms. Banerjee had reportedly alleged that the BJP was behind the violence and that the Bajrang Dal was attempting to destroy communal harmony.

Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said such comments were unbecoming of a Chief Minister, especially when communal tensions existed in other States.

“Everyone knows the deteriorating law and order situation under her watch in West Bengal.. In the past too, Ms. Banerjee has never missed an opportunity to defame Odisha’s culture. It seems to be her old habit, and we do not wish to comment further on her statement,” Mr. Harichandan said.

Meanwhile, three more persons were arrested in connection with the clashes that broke out during the immersion procession of Goddess Durga in Cuttack, taking the total number of arrests to nine.

Cuttack police have launched door-to-door searches in Hatipokhari and Kadamrasul areas to identify those involved in the violence. Bottles and stones were reportedly hurled at participants during the procession. Multiple police teams, led by two Assistant Commissioners of Police and three Inspectors-in-Charge, are conducting the operations.

Bhubaneswar–Cuttack Police Commissioner S. Dev Datta Singh cautioned social media users against posting inflammatory content. Over 300 accounts were monitored during the disturbances.

“We have noticed that some individuals are still trying to spread mischief and disrupt peace. Strict action will be taken against anyone attempting to disturb communal harmony,” the Commissioner warned.