Congress appeals to Odisha Governor over suspension of its MLAs

The Congress party has taken its grievances regarding the suspension of its MLAs to the Governor of Odisha. A delegation led by the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President Bhakta Das on Saturday met the Governor to lodge a formal complaint against what they termed as an undemocratic move by the state government.

According to the Congress delegation, the suspension of its legislators from the Odisha Assembly was an authoritarian decision, stifling opposition voices. The party also brought to the Governor’s attention the prolonged vacancy in the post of the Chairperson of the State Women’s Commission. Congress leaders argued that if the Commission was active, cases of atrocities against women in the state would have been addressed more effectively.

“We have expressed our concern as Odisha government is not constituting the House committee or not taking alternative measures. The state government just wants to ignore the issue and such perception is not right. The Governor has said to looked into the matter and intervene,” said PCC president Bhakta Das.

Also Read: Odisha Assembly ruckus; Congress workers clash with Police, manhandle and attack Additional CP 

Meanwhile, the Congress legislative party continued its protest outside the Odisha Assembly. Congress Legislature Party leader Ramachandra Kadam and MLA Ashok Das were seen staging a sit-in in front of the main gate of the Assembly. 

Additionally, Congress MLA Pavitra Saunta protested at Gate No. 1 of the Assembly, alleging that they were being denied entry into the House.

On the other hand, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has responded to the developments, countering the Congress party's claims. In a parallel development, the

Bhubaneswar Police have launched an independent investigation into the violent incidents that occurred during the Congress protests at the PMG Square in the capital city.

“The Congress MLAs who have been suspended should not enter the Assembly gate. The way the son of the PCC president was seen hurling chairs and breaking locks is not acceptable. The behaviour of Congress MLAs will certainly cost them dearly,” said BJP MLA Sanatan Bijuli.

Police Initiate Action Against Congress Protestors

According to Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jagmohan Meena, an independent team has been formed to identify and arrest the accused involved in the violence. The police have reportedly gathered substantial evidence from CCTV footage recorded at the protest site, which will be used to identify and take legal action against those responsible.

So far, the Capital Police Station has registered three separate cases related to the violent incidents. As part of the ongoing investigation, the police have already arrested one individual and are conducting further inquiries into the matter.

With tensions running high, the political battle between Congress and the ruling party continues to intensify, while law enforcement agencies remain vigilant in handling the legal aspects of the protest-related incidents. The coming days are likely to witness further developments as both sides remain firm on their respective stands.