Has Politics Infiltrated the Odisha Drivers' Strike?
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Synopsis
In a surprising twist, Odisha's drivers' strike has been accused of being influenced by political motives, as Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena comments on the association's recent decisions. The ongoing protest and its connection to Rahul Gandhi's rally raise questions about the intersection of labor movements and political events in Odisha.
Key Takeaways
- Political motives are being questioned in the ongoing drivers' strike.
- The association's leadership is urging drivers to support Congress events.
- Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena advocates for the withdrawal of the protest.
- Continuous unrest highlights a need for better dialogue between drivers and the government.
- Drivers are encouraged to maintain their protest while facilitating political events.
Bhubaneswar, July 11 (NationPress) The State Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena asserted on Friday that the ongoing cease-work strike by the Odisha Drivers' Mahasangha has become tainted by political agendas. This statement followed the association president's request to the protestors to refrain from halting vehicles en route to Rahul Gandhi's 'Save the Constitution' rally in Bhubaneswar.
In a post on his X handle, Jena stated, "The government has already addressed and discussed all the demands raised by the protesting drivers' association, eliminating the need for further protests in the interest of drivers."
He added, "The emergence of politics in the protest became evident when the strike was postponed by a day to support the Congress rally on July 11."
Jena urged the association's leaders to stop misleading the innocent drivers under the guise of the movement.
"I implore my fellow drivers to withdraw from the protest," he emphasized.
The Odisha Congress shared a video message from driver union leader Prashant Menduli, who encouraged his fellow drivers to facilitate the transportation of Congress supporters attending Rahul Gandhi's public meeting.
In the video, Menduli clarified that while the driver community continues its protest statewide, they received a request from a Congress MLA to ensure smooth transportation for those attending the event.
“We will continue our protest, but I ask my driver brothers not to impede any buses or vehicles carrying Congress supporters to Rahul Gandhi’s meeting,” Menduli urged.
“There’s no reason for concern. I call upon all drivers to allow these vehicles to pass freely, as Congress has requested our support for this gathering,” he added.
The drivers' cease-work strike has now entered its fourth day.
Meanwhile, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President Bhakta Charan Das criticized the Odisha state government for allegedly exacerbating the ongoing strike by the Odisha Drivers' Mahasangha to undermine the impending visit of senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
Point of View
I observe the increasing intersection of labor rights and political agendas in Odisha's drivers' strike. While drivers seek to voice their demands, the involvement of political figures complicates the narrative, suggesting a need for clarity and unity within labor movements.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Odisha Drivers' Mahasangha to strike?
The drivers initiated a cease-work strike to address their demands for better working conditions and support from the government.
What is the political involvement in the strike?
The strike has been criticized for being influenced by political motives, especially after the association's president urged members to avoid disrupting vehicles for a Congress rally.
How long has the strike been ongoing?
As of July 11, the cease-work strike has entered its fourth day.
Who is the leader of the Odisha Drivers' Mahasangha?
The association is led by Prashant Menduli, who has been vocal about the strike's objectives.
What has the government done in response to the strike?
The government has engaged in discussions with the drivers' association to address their demands and concerns.
