August 22nd 2024.
On a bright morning in Bhubaneswar, a large group of people gathered outside the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office. It was a part of a nationwide protest against the alleged misuse of central agencies by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government. The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee leaders, along with thousands of workers, were determined to 'gherao' (surround) the office and make their voices heard.
Among the prominent leaders leading the demonstration were AICC Odisha in-charge Ajoy Kumar, Koraput MP Saptagiri Ulaka, Congress Legislature Party leader Ramchandra Kadam, MLA Taraprasad Bahinipati, and former Union Minister Srikant Jena. They were joined by a large number of Congress workers who marched towards the ED office, demanding justice and accountability from the central government.
However, things took a heated turn as the protesters clashed with the police, who were trying to maintain law and order. Several Congress leaders were taken into preventive custody, but were released later on. Kumar, while addressing the gathering, accused the Modi government of using the ED as a tool for 'extortion' and targeting opposition members.
"The Modi government has been misusing public sector banks to benefit a particular industrialist, who is using these funds to acquire our airports," he alleged. Congress MLA Ramesh Jena also spoke out against the BJP government, claiming that they were trying to undermine Indian democracy by misusing central agencies like the ED and CBI.
In response, Bhubaneswar DCP Prateek Singh reassured that the police had made extensive security arrangements to ensure the safety of everyone involved. "We have deployed 12 platoons of force and police officers from neighboring districts to handle the situation. Our officers have successfully managed to detain those who tried to breach the barricades," he stated.
However, the BJP had a different perspective on the matter. Party spokesperson Manoj Mohapatra accused the Congress of organizing the protest to protect their own 'corrupt' leaders who were facing ED action. "Many leaders from the INDIA bloc have either been imprisoned or are out on bail. This protest is merely a self-preservation effort by the Congress," he remarked.
As the protest continued, the police maintained a strict vigil, ensuring that there were no further clashes or disruptions. The Congress leaders and workers remained determined to make their voices heard and bring attention to the alleged misuse of central agencies by the government. Only time will tell if their efforts will bear fruit.
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