Dharmasala clash sparks political tension; rival camps stage overnight protests in Bhubaneswar, Jajpur

The political fallout from the Dharmasala violence intensified on Monday, spreading from Jajpur district to the state capital of Bhubaneswar, as rival camps of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staged parallel overnight protests, escalating tensions across Odisha’s political landscape.

The trigger for the statewide agitation was an alleged attack on BJD workers in Jenapur, Jajpur, on Sunday.

BJD leaders alleged that party workers were assaulted by supporters of Dharmasala MLA Himanshu Sekhar Sahoo, following which political hostilities between former Dharmasala MLA Pranab Balabantaray and the sitting MLA sharpened further.

As the situation escalated, BJD leaders and workers sat on a night-long dharna outside the DGP camp office in Bhubaneswar, demanding the arrest of MLA Himanshu Sahoo. Simultaneously, hundreds of supporters of the MLA laid siege to the Jenapur police station, staging an overnight protest and countering the allegations.

Allegations Of Violence And Vandalism

Former Dharmasala MLA Pranab Balabantaray alleged that his residence was attacked during a workers’ meeting, leading to widespread vandalism and injuries.

“The terror and lawlessness prevailing in Jajpur have now crossed all limits. Several people, who had gathered in my residence and were holding a meeting, were beaten up. Over twenty vehicles were vandalised. They also entered my house and vandalised it,” Balabantaray said, alleging that the attack was carried out by supporters of Dharmasala MLA Himanshu Sahoo.

Stating that he had lost faith in the local police, Balabantaray said BJD leaders would continue their protest outside the DGP’s office until action is taken.

BJD Flags Past Incidents, Seeks Arrests

Senior BJD leader Arun Sahoo said the party had formally raised concerns over repeated incidents of violence in the region.

“The Additional DG has been informed that several instances of attacks and violence have occurred in the last one and a half years. No action was taken on the perpetrators, but the victims were lodged in jails,” Sahoo said, adding that while assurances were given, no timeline was specified.

He stated that the dharna would continue until arrests are made in connection with the latest violence.

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Injuries, Counter-Allegations, Police Probe

According to Balabantaray, more than 15 people were injured in the incident, with at least four critically hurt and shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. He also claimed that over 15 vehicles were damaged during the attack.

Responding to the allegations, Dharmasala MLA Himanshu Sekhar Sahoo denied any involvement, claiming he was attending a separate meeting at the time. He alleged that Balabantaray’s supporters had instead attacked his workers.

Police officials confirmed that an investigation has been initiated into the violence and related allegations. No arrests had been officially announced till the filing of this report.