Congress demands resignation of CM over Orissa violence

New Delhi, Sep 1 (UNI) Charging the BJD-led government in Orissa with law and order breakdown, the Congress today demanded resignation of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and also a CBI inquiry into the widespread violence in the state targeting the Christians and minorities.

AICC Spokesperson Jayanthi Natarajan told mediapersons that the Chief Minister should take moral and constitutional responsibility for the violence and killings as he had failed to control them.

She said the investigation into the violence, including the murder of VHP leader Swami Laxmananda, should be referred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for an impartial inquiry.

"The Chief Minister and his government had stood silent spectators to the terrible violence and terror that has been unleashed upon the minority community," Ms Natarajan said, while alleging that there was complete breakdown of law and order.

Referring to the peaceful demonstrations taken out by minority institutions throughout the country two days ago in protest against the Orissa violence, she said the BJP government of Karnataka had issued notices to such institutions in the state seeking explanation as to why they had declared a holiday on that day.

"This is a matter of great shock and concern," Ms Natarajan said, and added that "it is the height of fascism...It exposed the fascist mindset of communal forces led by the Sangh Parivar." UNI SH SLD HT1855