Did Congress Protest in Odisha Lead to Clashes with Police?
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Synopsis
In a heated demonstration, Congress party members in Odisha clashed with police while protesting alleged political harassment in the National Herald case. With calls for accountability and a series of planned protests, the situation reflects ongoing tensions between the Congress and the ruling BJP, raising questions about political freedom and justice in India.
Key Takeaways
- Protest against alleged political harassment: Congress workers protested over the treatment of their leaders.
- Clash with police: Tensions escalated into a scuffle with law enforcement.
- Call for accountability: Congress leaders demand apologies from the ruling party.
- Historical context: National Herald tied to India's independence movement.
- Future protests planned: Congress intends to maintain its activism.
Bhubaneswar, Dec 17 (NationPress) On Wednesday, a significant number of Congress party members clashed with the Odisha Police after being halted during their march aimed at surrounding the state office of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Bhubaneswar.
The protesters voiced their concerns over what they termed as “political harassment” of prominent Congress figures Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the ongoing National Herald case. Subsequently, several Congress supporters were detained by the police.
At a press conference, Bhakta Charan Das, president of the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC), asserted that the court's verdict indicated a lack of merit in the National Herald case, asserting that no criminal wrongdoing had been proven.
“For a decade, the BJP has persistently targeted the Gandhi family, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, abusing its power to involve them in a case that has now been revealed as groundless,” he stated. He noted that despite facing harassment, Rahul Gandhi has remained vocal about the issues affecting various societal segments.
“With the truth now evident, the Prime Minister and the ruling party owe an apology to the nation for their misuse of investigative bodies and authority,” Das demanded.
He elaborated on the context of the case, explaining that the National Herald is an organization tied to India’s independence struggle, which has encountered severe financial hurdles, including an inability to pay employee wages.
“Assisting such an organization is not a crime. Young Indian is a non-profit entity, meaning no individual can derive any profit from it. Where is the corruption?” he questioned. Bhakta Das accused the BJP of fostering a climate of fear by misusing their authority to obstruct the opposition's activities. He called for accountability from those in constitutional roles, citing a pattern of power misuse.
In announcing further protests, OPCC president Bhakta Charan Das stated that the Congress would persist in its demonstrations against the BJP. “Today we have surrounded the BJP office. Tomorrow, there will be district-level demonstrations, followed by a torch rally the day after, culminating in a march towards the Gandhi statue, ” he concluded.
Point of View
It is essential to present an unbiased perspective on the ongoing protests in Odisha. The clash between Congress party members and the police highlights the critical issues of political freedom and accountability within our democratic framework. Both parties must engage in constructive dialogue rather than resorting to confrontations, ensuring that the voices of citizens are heard while maintaining peace.
NationPress
17/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the reason behind the Congress protest in Odisha?
The Congress protest was aimed at opposing what they termed as political harassment of leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case.
What were the outcomes of the protest?
The protest resulted in clashes with the police, and several Congress supporters were detained during the demonstration.
What is the National Herald case about?
The National Herald case involves allegations against Congress leaders regarding misappropriation related to the National Herald newspaper, which the court has suggested lacks merit.
What are the Congress party's plans following this protest?
The Congress party plans to continue its agitation against the BJP, including district-level demonstrations and a march to the Gandhi statue.
How did the Congress leaders respond to the police actions?
Congress leaders, including Bhakta Charan Das, condemned the police actions and called for accountability from the ruling party for misusing authority.
