BJP protests induction of controversial ministers

Bhubaneswar: The BJP of Odisha unit  today took out rallies at various places protesting against induction of new ministers like Surya Narayan Patro, Pratap Jena and Maheswar Mohanty, who are embroiled in several controversies.

BJP activists staged demonstration against Surya Patro in at Digapahandi and Revenue minister Maheswar Mohanty in Puri. Similarly, the saffron activists clashed with BJD members when they tried to burn effigy of Pratap Jena at his own constituency area in Nischintakoili.

Supporters of Jena snatched away the effigy and flags from the BJP men and threw it following which they got into a tussle. Later, BJP protesters blocked Cuttack-Chandabali road demanding arrest of the erring ruling party activists.

"They violently attacked us and snatched the effigy of Pratap Jena when we staged a protest peacefully. We will intensify our agitation in coming days against such hooliganism of the ruling party", BJP state executive member Samir Samal said.

BJD spokesperson and minister Surya Patro said "BJP is doing such things only to show its presence in market. If we will resort to such activities, they would remain indoor".