‘We oppose her concern for Bangladeshis': Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das faces severe backlash

In Bhubaneswar, a heated debate has been ignited over recent remarks made by Mayor Sulochana Das concerning Bangladeshi residents in the Capital City. The controversy led to protests on Thursday at the Ward 14 office in Niladri Vihar, where local citizens brandished black flags protesting her allegedly objectionable comments.

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Mayor Das was on a visit to the locality in the morning when she was intercepted. Hundreds of local youths vehemently opposed the BJD leader and shouted slogans.

Bangladeshis granted voter ID and ration cards!

“When several eligible residents have not been given voter ID and ration cards yet, how were the Bangladeshi nationals granted cards during the previous BJD-led government?” the agitating locals questioned.

“We strongly oppose the Mayor’s ‘love for Bangladeshis’,” they said.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also expressed disapproval regarding the Mayor's comments. Ekamra MLA Babu Singh stated, “The Mayor is saying something terribly wrong. She is not saying this right. Only citizens of our country have the right to reside here.”

“The Mayor should understand that she is the first citizen of this city. What she is conveying is absolutely a matter of grave concern,” the BJP leader expressed.

Mayor Das had earlier indicated to a news channel that long-time Bangladeshi residents in the State Capital who possess voter and ration cards should not face eviction. She stressed, “We are with them,” and she called upon the government to protect these individuals from eviction.

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Despite the criticism, Mayor Das has stood by her comments and urged the identification of residents in the city. She clarified, “The government will make decisions regarding them, and these decisions will accordingly be implemented.”