BJD Stages Protest as BJP Marks First Year in Odisha Government

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) staged a protest rally in Bhubaneswar on Thursday, coinciding with the BJP-led Odisha government’s first anniversary in office. The rally, held at Master Canteen Square, saw participation from several senior BJD leaders, including MPs and MLAs, who raised slogans and accused the state government of being a “colour-changing and name-changing” administration.

Carrying handwritten placards, the protesters criticized Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and the BJP’s governance, alleging it lacked direction and continuity. As the rally proceeded towards Lower PMG Square, a confrontation broke out when police intercepted the procession. A brief scuffle ensued, resulting in the preventive detention of several senior BJD leaders.

Among those detained were former ministers Prafulla Samal and Arun Kumar Sahoo, along with other party workers. Police later confirmed that all detained leaders were released shortly after the situation was brought under control.

The protest comes amid a broader political tussle between the ruling BJP and the opposition BJD, with both parties gearing up for the next phase of state politics.