Bhubaneswar: The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has started criticizing the post of Advocate General (AG) despite the completion of months of Mohan Majhi-led BJP government. The list of aspirants for this post is increasing due to dissatisfaction due to the delay.
BJD Spokesperson Samantasinghar has criticized the inaction of the BJP government. Generally, the Advocate General is appointed after the first Cabinet meeting. This delay is a policy decision. But this delay means that the BJP seems to be ignorant of running the government, said Shri Samantasinghar on Tuesday.
The name of BJP leader and lawyer Pitambara Acharya is in the forefront for the post of Attorney General. Pitambara Acharya, who is known for his significant contributions to the party by fighting legal battles before the elections, contested the elections in Hinjili against former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in the 2019 elections. Other prominent candidates include lawyers Manas Mohapatra and Anup Basu, though the final decision rests with Chief Minister Mohan Majhi.
BJP spokesperson Manoj Mohapatra said, the previous BJD government also faced delay in appointing AG. It took them 6 months to appoint AG. BJP will appoint someone in due course. BJD should not be impatient. Their AGs have questioned whether they can justify the returns they have given to the people of Odisha.
The role of Advocate General is important in the legal and constitutional framework of the state. Appointed by the Governor with government approval, the AG serves as the primary legal advisor to the government and may participate in legislative activities during constitutional crises.
This position, which has been vacant for a long time, has increased the concern of lawyers. President of the Odisha Bar Council in Cuttack, Sitanshu Dwivedi expressed concern about the impact on the legal system and the government’s defense in legal cases. AG’s absence affects justice and legal process The new government may be looking for a candidate who is both trustworthy and experienced. “We hope that this position will be filled soon,” said Sitanshu Dwivedi.
