Odisha BJP workers clashed with police near Sishu Bhawan Chhak in Bhubaneswar on Monday while taking out a massive rally in protest against Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s visit to Kalahandi.
As per reports, Patnaik will distribute Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana Smart health card in a programme at Bhawanipatna OUAT premises in a short while from now.
Protesting Patnaik’s visit to the city and turning the heat on Odisha government over the sensational murder case of lady teacher Mamita Meher, hundreds of saffron party workers joined a procession from Raj Mahal square towards Sishu Bhawan holding black flags and shouting slogans against the Chief Minister.
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A three-tier security arrangement have been put in place at Sishu Bhawan square to prevent the protesters from marching towards the residence of Chief Minister.
Several BJP workers faced off with the picketing police personnel during their march and were later taken into custody. Some others also displayed black flags at the Airport square in protest against the Chief Minister.
Effigies of CM Naveen, Minister of State (Home) Dibya Shankar Mishra and Law Minister Pratap Jena were also burnt during the demonstration.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is said to have left for Kalahandi to attend a smart health card distribution programme at Bhawanipatna OUAT premises today.
In another development it has been revealed that Odisha Home Minister Dibya Shankar Mishra may share the dias during the programme at Bhawanipatna.
Local BJP MP Basanta Panda and Leader of Opposition Pradipta Naik who have been invited for the event are said to have expressed their decision to shun the meeting because of the presence of Dibya Shankar in the meeting who has been accused of having a link with the prime accused in the lady teacher Mamita Meher’s murder case.
(Edited by Suryakant Jena)