The Youth Congress staged a protest on Saturday by gheraoing the official residence of Odisha Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena in Bhubaneswar over the Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) issue.
As part of the agitation, activists organised a bicycle rally and marched towards the minister’s residence to register their protest. However, tensions quickly escalated when police personnel blocked the demonstrators from advancing further. Consequently, scuffles broke out between Youth Congress workers and police, as several activists attempted to breach the security barricades. Police intervened immediately and restored order at the protest site.
Meanwhile, protesters argued that common people across the State face severe difficulties due to the heavy rush at PUCC centres. They demanded withdrawal of the decision within three days and warned that if the government fails to roll back the move, they will intensify their agitation by hurling eggs and staging a gherao at the Chief Minister’s residence.
Adding to the criticism, Congress leader Yasir Nawaz accused the government of targeting poor vehicle owners while ignoring pollution in mining areas. He declared, “Are they trying to bring back British-era rule in Odisha? Under such measures, common people will not be able to run their vehicles.” Nawaz further warned of stronger protests if the decision is not withdrawn.
In contrast, BJP Yuva Morcha President Abhilash Panda urged restraint. He pointed out that the government has already extended the PUCC deadline till April. Moreover, he emphasised, “Pollution must be controlled at various places in Odisha so that it does not worsen in the coming days. Oxygen has now become a basic need for people. We don’t think unnecessary politicisation of the issue is required.”
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