Did BJD Workers Clash with Police During Fertiliser Protest in Bhubaneswar?
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Synopsis
In a tense confrontation in Bhubaneswar, BJD workers clashed with police during a protest over a crippling fertiliser shortage affecting farmers. As the situation escalated, party leaders presented their grievances to the Governor, highlighting the desperate plight of farmers during the Kharif season. What will be the state government's response?
Key Takeaways
- Escalating tensions between BJD workers and police during the protest.
- Farmers facing severe shortages of fertiliser during the critical Kharif season.
- BJD leaders questioning government claims of adequate supply.
- The BJP’s counterclaims of farmer satisfaction with the government.
- Protests and road blockades occurring statewide over fertiliser availability.
Bhubaneswar, Sep 15 (NationPress) An altercation erupted on Monday between members of the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and law enforcement officials near the Raj Bhavan (Governor’s House) during a demonstration regarding the persistent fertiliser shortage in the region.
The protestors, led by senior party figures, were marching towards the Raj Bhavan when they encountered police who had established a barricade near the Governor's residence.
Subsequently, a group of BJD leaders met with the Governor to present a memorandum urging his assistance in ensuring a consistent supply of fertiliser to the farmers throughout the state.
Speaking to journalists, senior BJD leader Prasanna Acharya stated: “Farmers throughout the state are in urgent need of fertilisers during this critical Kharif season. Yet, farmers in every district are suffering significant difficulties due to the government’s inability to provide sufficient fertilisers. While the government asserts that adequate supplies are available, farmers report that none is reaching them. Who is being truthful here?”
He further claimed that farmers are seen waiting in lines extending for miles in front of cooperative agencies—the Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and Large Area Multipurpose Societies (LAMPS)—for hours on end to obtain fertilisers.
Despite this, they often leave empty-handed and are compelled to buy fertilisers from the open market at inflated prices. Criticizing the state government, Acharya remarked that it is disgraceful for ministers to accuse farmers of politicizing their grievances over the fertiliser shortage.
In response, the BJP countered the BJD's claims, asserting that farmers are satisfied with the state's governance. The party contended that the government is actively pursuing strict measures against those involved in the black market trade of fertilisers.
Senior BJP leader Manoj Mohapatra claimed during media discussions that the BJD leaders protesting at the Governor’s residence are, in fact, the true benefactors of the black market operators involved in fertiliser hoarding and illicit sales.
Meanwhile, farmers across various locales in the state held protests and road blockades on Monday, expressing their frustrations over the lack of fertiliser availability in their respective areas.
Point of View
The political ramifications of these protests underscore the need for effective governance and accountability. It is crucial for all stakeholders, including the government, opposition, and agricultural communities, to engage constructively in addressing these urgent issues.
NationPress
07/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What sparked the clash between BJD workers and police?
The clash was sparked by protests from BJD workers regarding the ongoing fertiliser shortage affecting farmers in the state.
Who led the protest?
The protest was led by senior BJD leaders who were advocating for better fertiliser supply to farmers.
What were the farmers' main grievances?
Farmers expressed frustration over the lack of fertiliser availability, leading to long queues and forced purchases at higher prices.
How did the government respond to the situation?
The government claimed that adequate fertiliser supplies were available and took action against dealers involved in black marketing.
What was the outcome of the protest?
The protest resulted in a meeting between BJD leaders and the Governor, where they submitted a memorandum regarding the fertiliser crisis.
