Eight NSUI Supporters Detained for Protesting Against RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat in Odisha

Eight supporters of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) were detained by Odisha Police on Thursday. They protested in front of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's convoy, according to an officer. The incident occurred as Bhagwat travelled from the Utkal Bipanna Sahayata Samiti office in Mancheswar to Jaydev Bhawan near the Secretariat for a memorial meeting. The protest briefly halted Bhagwat's vehicle until police intervened.

Bhagwat's security is stringent, following the Advanced Security Liaison protocol. This level of protection is comparable to that provided to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The NSUI members, led by Odisha unit president Udit Narayan Pradhan, attempted to display black flags during Bhagwat's visit. They demanded an apology for his recent remarks on India's independence.

Protest and Detention

The protest was sparked by Bhagwat's statement on the first anniversary of the Ram temple's consecration. He suggested that this day should be celebrated as Pratishtha Dwadashi, symbolising India's true independence after centuries of foreign invasions. Police Commissioner S Dev Datta Singh confirmed the detention of eight NSUI supporters related to this protest.

Odisha BJP state president Manmohan Samal refrained from commenting on what he described as actions by "frustrated persons." Meanwhile, Youth Congress leader Yasir Nawaz stated, "The NSUI had earlier cautioned that they would protest against Bhagwat whenever he visits Odisha." Nawaz accused Bhagwat of insulting freedom fighters by implying that India's freedom was achieved with the construction of the Ram Temple.

Reactions and Condemnations

Biswajit Patra, a member of ABVP’s national executive committee, condemned the NSUI's protest against Bhagwat. "We will certainly give a befitting reply at the appropriate time. We strongly condemn this act," he stated. Concurrently, Congress supporters staged a sit-in at Mancheswar police station where the detained NSUI members were held.

During his address at Jaydev Bhawan, Bhagwat paid tribute to Late Shivram Mohapatra, former RSS Odisha chief. He described Mohapatra as well-behaved, calm, composed, and energetic. "His way of life reflects the Sangh culture and tradition," Bhagwat remarked. He urged Sangh members to draw inspiration from Mohapatra’s life and work for the nation.

RSS Chief's Visit

Bhagwat is in Odisha for a five-day visit to review RSS activities in the state and participate in centenary celebrations. Senior functionary Sumanta Kumar Panda mentioned that Bhagwat will leave Odisha on February 3. During his visit, he expressed condolences to Mohapatra’s family and friends, calling him a model for swayamsevaks.