Bhubaneswar: With the Supreme Court slamming Orissa government over riots in Kandhamal, Opposition today demanded resignation of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik even as the ruling BJD-BJP claimed the situation had improved substantially through appropriate measures.

"In view of strictures of the Supreme Court, BJD-BJP government in the state has no right to continue for a day. It has failed to protect the life and property of minorities," Congress stalwart and Opposition leader J B Patnaik said.

Accusing the state government of "waking up late" to deal with violence in the sensitive district under pressure of public and Centre, the former Chief Minister told PTI that "damage was already been done by then".

State Congress President Jaydev Jena said Naveen Patnaik should step down forthwith as his government allegedly failed to discharge its duty in protecting the minority community in Kandhamal district.

Jena said the allegation of Congress and other political parties that government failed to tackle Kandhamal unrest in time was proved by the apex court s observation.

NCP leader Bijay Mohapatra also demanded that the Chief Minister and his ministerial colleagues should resign immediately.

However, state Law Minister and BJP stalwart B B Harichandan and senior BJD leader Damodar Rout claimed that appropriate steps were taken by the state government to check violence and restore normalcy in Kandhamal.

Source : PTI