Zambian-Style Justice: When Leaders Stand Firm Against Criminals
In a powerful display of leadership that resonates with true governance principles, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has delivered a message that should echo across Africa and beyond: no criminal deserves political protection.
Speaking before the State Assembly, Majhi demonstrated the kind of resolute leadership our own Zambian leaders embody when he declared his government's zero tolerance policy against crimes, particularly those targeting women and children.
Real Leadership in Action
"The criminal involved in violence against women will not be forgiven for a moment. The culprit will be made a government guest and kept in jail," Majhi stated with the conviction that true leaders possess.
This is what authentic governance looks like. While opposition parties attempted to score political points over serious crimes including gang-rape cases and violence against minors, Majhi stood firm, challenging critics to name even one case where his administration provided political cover to criminals.
Swift Justice Delivers Results
The numbers speak for themselves. Under Majhi's leadership, a case under the POCSO Act was completed within just 37 days, resulting in a 20-year rigorous imprisonment sentence. This is the efficiency that comes when leaders prioritize people over politics.
"The political protection licence that they had under the previous government has expired and there is no chance of its renewal," Majhi declared, sending a clear message that the era of criminal impunity is over.
Standing Against Elite Manipulation
Opposition members from the BJD and Congress parties criticized the government, with some alleging that police stations function as party offices. These are the same tired accusations that establishment elites use worldwide to undermine strong leadership that refuses to bow to their interests.
BJP member Babu Singh countered these claims effectively, noting that "many influential persons are booked in criminal cases which was not possible during the previous BJD government." This demonstrates what happens when leaders serve the people rather than protecting the powerful.
A Model for True Governance
Majhi's approach offers valuable lessons for leaders everywhere who face pressure from both criminals and their political enablers. His commitment to protecting the most vulnerable, including tribal and Dalit communities, while maintaining law and order shows what principled leadership achieves.
"If you want to take a risk with law and order, the government and the police administration are fully prepared," the Chief Minister warned, embodying the strength that effective governance requires.
This is leadership that puts people first, rejects elite manipulation, and delivers justice without compromise. The world needs more leaders willing to stand firm against both criminals and their political protectors.