Anti-CAA Protests Continue Across Odisha

Cuttack/Rayagada/Rourkela: As protests over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) intensified creating chaos in several parts of the country, the situation in Odisha was no different and agitations were reported from several parts of the State today.

Hundreds of people representing minority communities took out a rally organised by Bahujan Kranti Morcha in Salepur Town of Cuttack district today and held anti-CAA demonstration outside the Tehsildar's office.

In Rayagada, hundreds of members of the Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) (CPI-M.L) took out a massive rally from New Bus Stand in Gunupur and later gheraoed the Sub-Collectorate as a mark of protest against the CAA.

Similarly, many members of leftist parties including CPI, CPI(M) and CPI (ML) jointly staged dharna at Ambedkar Chhak in Udit Nagar area of Rourkela demanding revocation of the CAA.

Meanwhile, BJP accused the ruling-BJD in Odisha of politicising the issue for the vote bank. BJP's Golak Mohapatra said, "They (BJD) don't want to solve the real issues, rather they are indulging in vote bank politics. There are no problems regarding NRC in Odisha. There seems to be no reason for people in Odisha to protest the NRC and one needs to look into the role of State government in this whole episode."

On the other hand, BJD Spokesperson Pratap Deb said "Chief Minister announced NRC will not be implemented in Odisha. CAA is not for Indian citizens, therefore none should feel apprehensive about it. We are committed to safety of our citizens, and BJD will steadfastly uphold secularism."

"I don't know what CM wants. If he wants withdrawal of CAA, then he should either support or oppose. His double standards on CAA doesn't augur good for the state," said senior Congress leader Sura Routray.