Odisha Youth Congress Stages Massive Protest in Bhubaneswar Against “Vote Rigging” and “Job Sale”

Bhubaneswar, Oct 9: Hundreds of Odisha Youth Congress activists staged a large-scale demonstration in Bhubaneswar today, protesting alleged “vote rigging” and “job sales” by the ruling BJP governments at the Centre and in Odisha.

Tensions escalated when protesters attempted to break through police barricades to march toward the Chief Minister’s residence and the Chief Electoral Office. A brief scuffle ensued, after which police detained several activists and cleared Mahatma Gandhi Marg, the venue of the protest.

The rally was led by All India Youth Congress National President Uday Bhanu Chib and State Youth Congress President Ranjit Patra. Holding placards and banners denouncing the Modi government at the Centre and the Mohan Majhi-led state government, the demonstrators accused the BJP of “stealing votes to seize power.”

Addressing the gathering, Chib alleged that both the Modi and Majhi governments were “not elected, but selected” through vote manipulation. He described the “Protest Against Deception” rally as a reflection of Odisha youth’s frustration over issues such as vote rigging, job sales, deteriorating law and order, rising crimes against women, and spiraling prices.

Chib also claimed that Rahul Gandhi had exposed a nexus between the BJP and the Election Commission, undermining citizens’ democratic rights. He added, “The Election Commission has become a tool in the hands of the Modi government instead of functioning as an independent institution.”

Highlighting concerns over law and order in Odisha, Chib alleged that on average 15 women face sexual assault daily and over 65,000 women are missing in the state. He further claimed that women feel unsafe even in educational institutions, government offices, and police stations, and that posts like Sub-Inspector are being sold for Rs 25 lakh.

Odisha in-charge Mahesh Deshmukh criticized both the Election Commission and the Majhi government for their alleged roles in vote rigging and job sales. State Youth Congress President Ranjit Patra asserted that the Youth Congress would continue fighting for the rights of Odisha’s youth, intensifying agitation against unemployment, poor law and order, crimes against women, and unchecked price rises.