Bhubaneswar, Mar 27: A high-voltage political drama unfolded at Lower PMG Square in Bhubaneswar after the Congress workers clashed with the police during their protest march to ‘gherao’ the Odisha Assembly on Thursday.
Situations soon escalated as enraged Congress workers allegedly pelted stone, targeting the police with bricks and stones turning the area into a battleground. They also hurled eggs, tomatoes, and water bottles at security forces. In a fit of rage, some protesters even threw chairs.
In response and to tackle the unrest, the police resorted to mild lathi charge and used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the agitators.
During the protest march, Congress protestors raised slogans against the government and demanded immediate action on women's safety issues. Despite the suspension of all the Congress MLAs leaving the party without any representation in the House, the grand old party vowed to continue its fight for justice.
Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) President Bhakta Charan Das stated, "Congress has taken to the streets demanding safety and security for women and students in the State. The government must take action; otherwise, our protest will continue."
Cuttack Barabati MLA Sofia Firdous said, "We are the voice of the people and were elected to represent them. However, we were suspended. The Chief Minister questioned the need for a House Committee, but just the day before, a girl was raped and murdered in Phulbani. Additionally, two children lost their lives after consuming Anganwadi sattu. The government must be held accountable for these tragedies."
On the other hand, normal proceedings continued inside the Odisha Assembly amid the protest.
Congress workers clash with police during protest march to ‘gherao’ Odisha Assembly #odishaassembly #congress #odishanews #newsupdates #latestupdates pic.twitter.com/8RQSxfqPCJ
— Prameya English (@PrameyaEnglish) March 27, 2025
It is worth mentioning that all Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy had suspended Congress MLAs from the House due to unruly behavior for a week due to unruly behavior.
In view of the protest, security was beefed up in and around the Assembly to prevent any untoward incidents. The Commissionerate Police had deployed 80 platoons of police force, including 10 platoons of women personnel, to maintain law and order situation.
Police use water cannon against Congress workers protesting outside Odisha Assembly#odishaassembly #congress #odishanews #newsupdates #latestupdates pic.twitter.com/MxPc2rUEC3
— Prameya English (@PrameyaEnglish) March 27, 2025
