BJD Storms Odisha Assembly Over Panchayati Raj Power Cut, Sparks Political Firestorm
Bhubaneswar, Sept 23 — In a dramatic escalation of political tensions, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) staged a massive protest outside the Odisha Legislative Assembly, accusing the BJP-led state government of undermining grassroots democracy by curtailing the powers of elected Panchayati Raj representatives.
Thousands of local leaders—including sarpanches, ward members, samiti and Zilla Parishad members—converged on Gandhi Marg, demanding restoration of authority to elected officials.
The protest turned volatile as demonstrators breached two security barricades, prompting police to deploy water cannons and detain several agitators.
BJD leaders alleged that the government’s move to financially empower Block Development Officers (BDOs) has reduced elected chairpersons to mere figureheads. “This is an assault on the democratic foundation of local governance,” said a senior BJD spokesperson.
The protest signals a deepening rift between the ruling BJP and opposition BJD, with further agitations expected in the coming days.
