Priyanka Tiwari
Share
Suspense crime, Digital Desk : A political storm has erupted in Odisha after police detained several senior Congress party leaders on Thursday, just hours before a scheduled visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The opposition party has fiercely condemned the move, labeling it an "attack on democracy" and an attempt to silence dissent.
The leaders, including Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) President Sarat Pattanayak and Jaydev MLA Bapi Sarkhel, were taken into preventive custody in Bhubaneswar and other locations. The detentions occurred as the party was preparing to hold protests during the Prime Minister's visit to highlight key public grievances.
According to Congress sources, their planned demonstration was intended to draw attention to unfulfilled promises, rising unemployment, and the demand for increased compensation for the victims of the tragic Balasore train accident. The party had planned to wave black flags as a symbol of their protest.
Sarat Pattanayak, speaking from custody, slammed the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government in the state, accusing it of acting on behalf of the central government to suppress the opposition's voice. "This is a murder of democracy," Pattanayak stated. "The BJD has proven that it is the B-team of the BJP by attempting to crush our democratic right to protest."
Police officials have defended the action, citing the need to maintain law and order and ensure security during a high-profile VVIP visit. However, the detentions have intensified the political friction between the Congress and the ruling BJD and BJP parties, turning the Prime Minister's visit into a flashpoint for political confrontation in the state.
Read More: India and Russia Reaffirm Ties as Leaders Share Car Ride After Airport Greeting
