Why is BJD staging a massive protest against the curtailment of Panchayati Raj powers in Odisha?
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Synopsis
In a bold move, BJD leaders and supporters rallied in Bhubaneswar to protest against the alleged diminishing of Panchayati Raj powers. The clash with police at Lower PMG highlighted the ongoing tensions between the ruling BJP and the opposition, raising crucial questions about the future of democracy in Odisha.
Key Takeaways
- BJD protests against government actions
- Clashes with police highlight tensions
- Concerns over democracy in Odisha
- BJP defends its position on Panchayati Raj
- New financial powers for Block Development Officers
Bhubaneswar, Sep 23 (NationPress) On Tuesday, members and leaders of the Opposition party Biju Janata Dal (BJD) organized a significant protest against the reduction of Panchayati Raj powers in Odisha.
They clashed with police at Lower PMG in Bhubaneswar while attempting to gherao the state Assembly, opposing the Odisha government’s purported efforts to undermine the authority of elected representatives within the Panchayati Raj Institutions.
Numerous BJD supporters, including sarpanches, ward members, Panchayat Samiti, and Zilla Parishad members from 314 blocks across the state, confronted security personnel after breaching two police barricades.
The demonstrators, displaying banners and placards, were vocally criticizing the government, charging the ruling BJP with assassinating democracy and the Panchayati Raj system in Odisha.
In response, the Commissionerate Police deployed water cannons to disperse the protesters.
Several BJD workers and leaders were subsequently detained by police to restore order.
Prior to the demonstration, senior BJD leaders discussed various ‘anti-people’ policies of the Odisha government with party members.
Speaking to reporters, senior BJD leader Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak remarked, “The citizens of Odisha are aware that the late Biju Patnaik was instrumental in empowering representatives through the Panchayati Raj system. This initiative was further bolstered by our leader Naveen Patnaik.
“However, the current BJP-led administration is plotting to strip elected representatives of their authority, rendering them mere figures on paper.”
“A scheme has been devised to transfer the powers bestowed upon these representatives to corrupt officials. The entire nation is aware of ‘Vote Chori,’ yet in Odisha, the BJP is engaged in robbing elected officials of their powers. In response to this conspiracy, the BJD has taken to the streets,” Nayak said.
Meanwhile, BJP MLA Irasis Acharya refuted the allegations from the Opposition, asserting that the powers of representatives under the PRI system have not been diminished.
In fact, he claimed, the government has abolished the ‘percentage culture’ and is, indeed, fortifying the system.
It is noteworthy that on September 10, the state Cabinet sanctioned a proposal to enhance the financial authority of Block Development Officers within Panchayat Samitis (blocks) to approve bills up to Rs 10 lakh without requiring countersignatures from elected representatives.
The state government also expanded the administrative powers conferred on the Chief Development Officer-cum-Executive Officer in Zilla Parishads.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize that the ongoing tensions between BJD and the BJP over the Panchayati Raj system reflect deeper issues within the political framework of Odisha. Both sides present valid concerns, but what remains essential is ensuring that democratic processes are upheld, and the voice of the people is not diminished.
NationPress
23/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What sparked the BJD protest in Odisha?
The BJD protest was initiated in response to the Odisha government's alleged measures to curtail the powers of elected representatives within the Panchayati Raj system.
What actions did the police take during the protest?
The Commissionerate Police used water cannons to disperse the protestors and detained several BJD members to control the situation.
How did BJD leaders justify their protest?
BJD leaders claimed that the BJP-led government was attempting to strip elected representatives of their powers, undermining democracy in Odisha.
What did the BJP say about the allegations?
BJP MLA Irasis Acharya refuted the claims, stating that the powers of representatives have not been diminished and that the government is strengthening the Panchayati Raj system.
What recent changes did the state government make regarding Panchayati Raj?
The state Cabinet approved a proposal to increase Block Development Officers' financial powers, allowing them to pass bills up to Rs 10 lakh without elected representatives' countersignature.
