The BJP staged a dharna here on Monday in protest against the recent attack on the convoy of two Central Ministers in Bargarh district of Odisha on June 24.
Hundreds of party workers and senior leaders led by party’s Odisha in-charge Arun Singh and BJP State president Basanta Panda took part in the dharna in front of the Raj Bhavan and condemned the “high-handed behaviour” of the activists of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), who attacked the convoy of Union Ministers Santosh Gangwar and Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti. They were on their way to attend a Vikas Parv rally organised by the BJP.
Eyeing the panchayat polls scheduled early next year, the party also highlighted other issues, including the alleged involvement of BJD Ministers and legislators in various scams.
The BJP leaders, who termed the Bargarh incident a premeditated attack, demanded that the culprits involved in the attackbe brought to book without delay.
In a memorandum submitted to Governor S.C. Jamir, the BJP said the attack was a case of “extreme intolerance and complete breakdown” of law and order in the State.
Although 16 persons were arrested and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik ordered an administrative inquiry into the incident, the BJP demanded that the local Superintendent of Police and Collector be placed under suspension until the inquiry was completed.
The inquiry is being conducted by the Revenue Divisional Commissioner (North). The government has sought a report within 60 days.
