Odisha 5T Secretary again faces ‘black flag’ protest during Banki visit

Odisha 5T secretary VK Pandian continues to face the wrath of Opposition parties during his political visits to various parts of the State.

In the latest instance, BJP activists staged a protest opposing Pandian’s visit to Banki in Cuttack district on Wednesday.

Several BJP workers showed black flags and shouted slogans against BJD and Pandian at Banki NAC Square in protest against his visit.

As per reports, elaborate arrangements were made in view of Pandian’s visit to Banki. The stretch from Banki school to the meeting venue was barricaded. When Pandian’s chopper landed in Banki, BJP Juva Morcha workers staged protests by showing black balloons and flags. Meanwhile, police detained some BJP workers following the protest.

“5T Secretary is only a public servant. The kind of arrangements being made and the protocol provided for the Secretary’s visit in Banki is not acceptable. Had the Chief Minister and the departmental ministers visited the place to announce and review developmental works, we would have accepted and welcomed it whole-heartedly,” said BJP leader Sundhanshu Mohan Padhy.

“It is only happening in Odisha. The Chief Minister is not physically fit to visit different places for announcing and reviewing various activities. Sending the 5T Secretary for this purpose is not acceptable,” he added.