BJD moves OSCPCR over children's alleged use at BJP rally in Bhubaneswar
Synopsis
The BJD has taken its rivalry with the ruling BJP to the child rights commission, alleging minors were paraded with party flags at a BJP rally in Bhubaneswar on 12 July. With notices sought against CM Majhi and the BJP state chief, the complaint escalates what began as a membership drive into a formal child protection dispute.
Key Takeaways
BJD submitted a complaint to OSCPCR on 13 July alleging use of minor children at a BJP rally in Bhubaneswar .
The rally was held on 12 July during former MLA Pravat Ranjan Biswal's formal induction into the BJP.
Children were allegedly seen wearing BJP caps and carrying party flags, placards, and banners at the event.
Notices sought against CM Mohan Charan Majhi , BJP state president Manmohan Samal , and Pravat Ranjan Biswal .
BJD has demanded the commission issue directions to prevent use of children in political events going forward.
The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Monday, 13 July submitted a formal complaint to the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR), alleging that minor children were used in a political rally organised by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Bhubaneswar on 12 July. The complaint calls for a formal enquiry and seeks notices to senior BJP leaders.
What the Complaint Alleges
The rally in question was held on the occasion of former MLA Pravat Ranjan Biswal and his supporters formally joining the BJP on 12 July. According to the BJD's complaint, several minor children were reportedly seen participating in the event while wearing BJP caps and carrying party flags, placards, and banners.
The BJD contends that such participation raises 'serious concerns regarding their rights, welfare, and protection,' and that children should not be exposed to political influence or public mobilisation through party events.
Who Has Been Named in the Complaint
The BJD has urged the OSCPCR to issue notices to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, BJP state president Manmohan Samal, and former MLA Pravat Ranjan Biswal, seeking their responses on the alleged involvement of children in the political programme. A delegation from the BJD personally met the OSCPCR chairperson to submit the application.
What the BJD Is Demanding
Beyond the immediate enquiry, the regional party has demanded that the commission issue broader directions to ensure children are not used in political rallies, demonstrations, or campaigns going forward. 'We have full faith that the Hon'ble Commission will take immediate cognisance of this matter and take the necessary steps to safeguard the rights and best interests of children,' the BJD stated in its complaint.
Political Context
The complaint arrives at a moment of heightened political friction in Odisha, where the BJP came to power in 2024, ending the BJD's two-decade rule. Biswal's induction into the BJP — accompanied by a large public rally — has sharpened the rivalry between the two parties. Notably, this is not the first time opposition parties across India have raised child rights concerns over the use of minors at political events, a practice that remains a grey area under existing child protection frameworks. The OSCPCR has not yet publicly responded to the complaint.
Point of View
The underlying concern is legitimate: the use of children as props at political rallies is a recurring practice across party lines in India, and child rights commissions rarely act decisively on such complaints. The real test is whether OSCPCR issues notices at all, given that the commission operates in a state now governed by the very party being accused. If it does, it signals institutional independence; if it does not, the BJD will have its own political narrative ready.
NationPress
13 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BJD's complaint to OSCPCR about?
The BJD has alleged that minor children were made to participate in a BJP rally in Bhubaneswar on 12 July, wearing party caps and carrying flags and banners. The party has asked the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights to enquire into the matter and issue notices to senior BJP leaders.
Who has been named in the BJD's complaint?
The complaint seeks notices against Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, BJP Odisha state president Manmohan Samal, and former MLA Pravat Ranjan Biswal, at whose joining ceremony the rally was held.
Why was the rally held on 12 July?
The rally was organised to mark the formal joining of former MLA Pravat Ranjan Biswal and his supporters into the BJP on 12 July in Bhubaneswar.
What action has the BJD demanded from OSCPCR?
The BJD has urged the commission to conduct a formal enquiry, issue notices to the named BJP leaders, and issue directions to prevent the use of children in political rallies, demonstrations, or campaigns in the future.
Has OSCPCR responded to the complaint?
As of the time of reporting, the OSCPCR has not publicly responded to the BJD's complaint. The commission is expected to decide whether to take cognisance and issue notices to the named individuals.
