Bhubaneswar: Odisha is currently grappling with severe administrative paralysis as officers of the Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) Association have launched an indefinite strike, bringing government operations to a grinding halt across the state. The primary demand of the striking officers is the immediate arrest of BJP leader Jagannath Pradhan, whom they accuse of misconduct and intimidation.
The strike, which commenced earlier this week, has crippled essential government services, impacting citizens seeking various administrative clearances, permits, and other vital public services. District collectorates, sub-collector offices, block development offices, and other key administrative units are largely non-functional, leading to widespread inconvenience and mounting public frustration.
Sources within the OAS Association indicate that the decision to go on an indefinite strike was taken after repeated pleas to the state government for action against Shri Pradhan allegedly went unheeded. The officers claim that BJP Leader’s actions have created an environment of fear and disrespect, making it difficult for them to discharge their duties effectively and impartially.
In a significant development, the OAS Association formally presented a memorandum to the Chief Secretary of Odisha on July 2, 2025, outlining their demands and expressing their strong condemnation of the attack on Sri Ratnakar Sahoo, OAS (SAG), Additional Commissioner, BMC, while on duty.
The memorandum, addressed to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, detailed the “dastardly attack” on Sri Sahoo, emphasizing that it was “not only an assault on an individual officer but a direct attack on the dignity and sanctity of public service in the State.” The Association reiterated its urgent and non-negotiable demands for the immediate arrest of Jagannath Pradhan, provision of adequate security for field-level executive officers, and public condemnation of the incident by the Government.
“We have been pushed to the wall,” stated a senior OAS officer, requesting anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the situation. “Our dignity and ability to work without fear are paramount. Until Jagannath Pradhan is arrested and a clear message is sent that such behavior will not be tolerated against public servants, we will not return to work.”
The state government has so far refrained from taking strong punitive action against the striking officers, opting instead for a cautious approach. Chief Secretary has appealed to the officers to return to duty, emphasizing the impact on public services.
However, there has been no immediate indication of a concrete step towards addressing the officers’ core demand for Shri Pradhan’s arrest. Political observers suggest that the government is treading carefully, given the potential for the issue to escalate into a larger ramifications.
Meanwhile, the BJP leadership in Odisha has vehemently denied the allegations against Jagannath Pradhan, calling the strike politically motivated and an attempt to malign their party. “These are baseless accusations designed to divert attention from the government’s failures,” a BJP spokesperson commented. “Jagannath Pradhan is a respected leader, and we stand by him. The government should focus on governance instead of succumbing to pressure tactics.”
The ongoing standoff poses a significant challenge for the State Administration, particularly as it comes at a crucial time for various development projects and public welfare schemes. With no immediate resolution in sight, the administrative paralysis is expected to deepen, further affecting the common populace and potentially impacting the state’s developmental trajectory. The coming days will be critical as both sides dig in, and the public waits anxiously for a return to normalcy.