The ongoing protest led by 37th Ward Corporator Bandita Pal over the establishment of a dedicated ward office has intensified, drawing significant political backing as her health condition continues to deteriorate.
Pal’s mass sit-in (ganadharna) has now crossed 12 days, while her indefinite hunger strike (amasana anasana) has reached its 7th day. The protest stems from allegations of administrative apathy and fraudulent practices by officials of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the General Administration (GA) Department regarding government land allotment.
BJP Leadership Steps In
On Monday, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Bhubaneswar Central assembly constituency candidate Jagannath Pradhan visited the protest site to assess the situation firsthand. Following detailed discussions with Corporator Pal, local residents, social activists, and party workers, Pradhan extended his full support to the demands.
Expressing deep dissatisfaction over the lack of action from BMC officials and local police even after 12 days of protests, Pradhan promised to take up the matter directly with Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr Krushna Chandra Mahapatra to seek a permanent solution. Although Pradhan urged Pal to call off her fast and assured her that he would investigate the bureaucratic hurdles personally, the corporator decided to continue her hunger strike until concrete, visible actions are taken by the administration.
Health Concerns Mount
As the protest enters its critical phase, the physical toll on the corporator is becoming increasingly evident. A medical team from Capital Hospital conducted health check-ups in the morning, afternoon, and night on Monday. Doctors reported that Pal’s health is steadily declining and strongly recommended deploying a dedicated medical team if the fast continues.
With neither the BMC nor administrative authorities taking visible remedial measures, the protest continues to gather momentum, turning into a major political flashpoint in the capital city.
