Tensions flared in Odisha’s political landscape as Congress workers and leaders continued their protest on Wednesday against the suspension of 12 party MLAs from the Legislative Assembly.
The protest intensified after Congress leaders alleged they were manhandled and beaten while being forcefully removed from the Assembly premises last night.
Senior Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati alleged that police not only assaulted his security officer but also snatched his gold chain. Expressing his disappointment, he said, “We are in politics to serve the people and fight against injustice, but after such treatment, I have decided to quit politics.”
The prolonged protest took a toll on the health of some legislators, with Bahinipati reportedly falling ill. Sources said he underwent a health check-up following the incident.
Congress MLA CS Raazen Ekka alleged that the Odisha police acted with “hooliganism” during their protest, accusing the BJP-led government of being afraid of their opposition. He claimed that Congress MLAs were “manhandled” and vowed to continue protests, emphasizing the party’s commitment to women’s safety and the people of Odisha.
Congress MLA Sagar Charan Das echoed similar sentiments, stating that their protest was peaceful and focused on women’s safety. He condemned the alleged forceful removal and mistreatment of MLAs, calling it an insult to public representatives. “The police have assaulted two of our MLAs. We will not stop our protest. Rules become secondary when the fight is for society,” he said.
Odisha Congress in-charge Ajay Kumar Lallu accused the state government of suppressing dissent, calling it a “dictatorship.” He claimed that CLP leaders were injured in the scuffle and criticized the silence of national leaders on crimes against women in Odisha. Referring to the President’s tweet condemning a recent Kolkata rape and murder case, he questioned why no such response was given to Odisha’s cases of missing and assaulted women. He reiterated Congress’s demand for a discussion on the issue in the Assembly.
The Odisha Assembly Speaker, Surama Padhy, had suspended 12 Congress MLAs for seven days on charges of indiscipline, disrespecting the Chair, and violating House rules after they staged a protest in the well of the House.
Following the suspension, Congress workers gathered outside the Assembly, raising slogans against the government and demanding immediate revocation of the suspension. Party leaders claimed that the police used force while evicting them, leading to injuries to several members.
“We were protesting democratically, but the government used force to silence us. Our leaders were dragged out and beaten. This is a murder of democracy,” a Congress leader alleged.
Meanwhile, the ruling party and Assembly authorities maintained that the suspension was necessary to maintain order and dignity in the House. However, the Congress has vowed to continue its protest until justice is served.
