Bhubaneswar: On Thursday, activists from the Congress youth wing faced off against security personnel during a march toward Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s residence to protest against what they termed “vote theft” by the BJP government both locally and nationally. The rally, led by All India Youth Congress president Uday Bhanu Chib and Pradesh Youth Congress chief Ranjit Patra, commenced with a meeting at Mahatma Gandhi Marg before proceeding toward the CM’s residence. Tensions escalated into a scuffle when the activists attempted to breach police barricades positioned some distance from the CM’s residence. Several members of the Youth Congress were detained on-site but were released later in the evening, according to officials.
Chib, addressing supporters prior to the march, accused the BJP-led government at the Centre and the Majhi government in Odisha of gaining power through ‘vote chori’ (vote theft). He stated, “The BJP government in Odisha is failing to ensure women’s safety and youth employment because they believe they can hold power by stealing votes.” Chib further alleged that the BJP and its affiliates are perpetually attempting to sow discord within the country and in Odisha. He claimed, “Fifteen women are raped every day in Odisha, and 65,000 are missing. Women live in fear under the current administration.” Mahesh Deshmukh, the Youth Congress Odisha in-charge, who was also present at the march, accused the State government of commodifying employment.
In response to these claims, senior BJP leader and Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan criticized the Congress for making “false allegations out of frustration.”