Political tensions gripped the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) office on Wednesday as residents from Ward No. 29 launched a dramatic protest ahead of its monthly meeting.
The crowd, chanting slogans and waving placards, rallied in support of BJP Corporator Jeevan Rout, who was recently arrested along with five others for allegedly assaulting a BMC officer.
Protesters decried the Mayor’s decision to proceed with arrests based solely on video evidence, alleging bias and demanding a public apology. “Jeevan Rout is innocent. The arrest was politically motivated,” claimed one of the agitators during the dharna staged outside the BMC gates.
Adding fuel to the fire, comparisons were drawn to a prior incident involving a BJD Corporator from Ward 44. In that case, locals noted, it was resolved peacefully through internal deliberation. “Why the disparity in treatment? We demand equal action and the arrest of the BJD corporator as well,” a protestor questioned.
As security presence ramped up near the BMC premises, the Mayor’s office has yet to issue an official response. Meanwhile, political observers watch closely as Bhubaneswar’s civic discourse turns sharply partisan.
