After Soumya, it’s Mahtab; BJD MP questions police action during BJP protest in Bhubaneswar

A day after BJD MLA Soumya Ranjan Patnaik dropped a bombshell hinting that all was not well in the party, the ruling party's MP Bhartruhari Mahtab joined the league by questioning the recent police action during BJP Yuva Morcha protest in Bhubaneswar.

In an editorial piece titled ‘Uccharana O Acharana Marjita Heba Abasyaka’ published in an Odia daily, Mahtab criticised the Commissionerate Police's action against the protesting members of the saffron party.

“If the BJP agitators had resorted to disorder during the protest, the police should have dispersed them by using lathi charge. But, some people in plain clothes attacked the agitating members including women workers of the party,” Mahtab wrote. 

“If the people seen in plain clothes were police then the Police Commissioner should confirm it. Who authorised them to manage the crowd? Is there any specific rule in the police manual? If they are not police, then would action be taken against them?” the BJD leader questioned.

Moreover, the parliamentarian also criticised the BJD government and police for mishandling the situation.

“Reports say some police personnel sustained injuries after BJP activists pelted stones at them. But, Bhubaneswar had turned a mute spectator when activists hurled stones at the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the presence of former CM Biju Patnaik leaving her injured,” Mahtab’s article read further.

“The police should have managed the protest calmly. The violence by BJP and police has further worsened the situation. This has triggered a public outrage too. The BJD is ruling the State for the last 25 years because of its disciplined behaviour and values. So the party should continue to maintain the same and concentrate on the future,” the MP wrote in the article.

However, no comments from Commissionerate Police and BJD could be obtained over Mahtab’s remark.