Congress Announces Month-Long Protests in Odisha for Students, Farmers Rights

The Congress party in Odisha is organizing month-long demonstrations to highlight student and farmer concerns, including opposition to selfie points featuring political leaders on campuses and demands for increased support prices and loan waivers.

The Congress party in India has announced plans to hold month-long demonstrations across the state of Odisha, focusing on issues affecting students and farmers. The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) chief, Sarat Pattanayak, outlined the party's intentions to address concerns related to education and agriculture.

Protests Against Selfie Points in Educational Institutions

The Congress's student wing, the National Students Union of India (NSUI), will spearhead protests in colleges and universities against the establishment of selfie points featuring photographs of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. These demonstrations, scheduled from December 20 to January 20, aim to oppose the glorification of political leaders in educational institutions.

Demands of Farmers

Concurrently, the Pradesh Kisan Congress will organize protests across Odisha from December 13 to January 13 to advocate for several demands on behalf of farmers. Their primary requests include an increase in the minimum support price for paddy to Rs 2,930 per quintal and the waiver of crop loans. The Congress aims to highlight the challenges faced by farmers and seek government support.

Concerns Over Historical Misrepresentation

OPCC chief Sarat Pattanayak expressed concerns about the alleged attempts by both the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the center and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government in Odisha to rewrite history. He criticized the focus on self-promotion and the misuse of public funds, claiming that the governments have neglected the contributions of prominent leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subash Bose, and Gopabandhu Das.

Unfulfilled Promises and Lack of Quality Education

Pattanayak further pointed out the failure of both the BJP and BJD governments to fulfill their promises of job creation. He highlighted the BJP's pledge to provide employment to two crore youths annually and the BJD's commitment to offer jobs to 2 lakh youths each year, both of which have allegedly gone unfulfilled.

Additionally, Pattanayak criticized the BJD government's performance in the education sector, asserting that the state has failed to provide quality higher education during its 24-year rule. He lamented the lack of basic facilities in higher education institutions and the numerous vacant posts in universities and colleges.

The Congress party's decision to hold month-long demonstrations in Odisha underscores the importance of addressing student and farmer issues. By organizing protests against selfie points and advocating for farmers' demands, the Congress aims to hold the government accountable and bring attention to pressing concerns affecting these communities. The party's criticism of historical misrepresentation and unfulfilled promises further highlights the need for transparency and responsible governance.