'Security breach' during President Droupadi Murmu’s Odisha visit: Bhanja Sena calls for Mayurbhanj bandh on May 15

A local outfit, Bhanja Sena has called for a shutdown in Mayurbhanj over 'security breach' during President Droupadi Murmu’s Odisha visit. The bandh will be observed on May 15, informed Pintu Maiti, President, Bhanja Sena.

In the first incident, lights went off for nine minutes during President Murmu’s convocation speech at Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University in Baripada due to a sudden power failure. Even as the university auditorium plunged into complete darkness due to the blackout, the President continued with her speech.

Later, a pharmacist who was on helipad duty reportedly took selfies with the chopper of the President and posted them on social media during her visit to Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR).

Earlier, an inconclusive meeting was held in this connection in the presence of the Mayurbhanj Collector and the SP, and members of Bhanja Sena following which the latter expressed outrage and called for a bandh on May 15.

“This insult to the President of India is condemnable. So, we will not back out from the bandh. We demand appropriate action against those responsible for all security breaches during the President’s Odisha visit. This is a shame for the State. We will hit the streets on May 15,” said Pintu Maiti, President of Bhanja Sena.

No comments could be obtained from the district administration on the matter.