Odisha Congress Sets 3-Day Deadline for Police to Arrest Office Attackers

The Congress party has issued a three-day ultimatum to the Odisha police to apprehend those responsible for the alleged attack on its workers. This incident occurred in front of the state party headquarters on Tuesday evening. The clash involved supporters from both the BJP and Congress during a protest over remarks made by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha.

Senior Congress MLA Taraprasad Bahinipati addressed the media on Wednesday, demanding swift police action. He stated that if arrests are not made within three days, 20,000 youths will forcibly enter the state BJP office. Bahinipati accused the state BJP president and chief minister of instructing their party youths to hurl stones at Congress headquarters, resulting in injuries to several Congress workers and media persons.

Protests and Clashes

The altercation took place outside the Congress Bhawan, where BJP supporters were demonstrating against Rahul Gandhi's comments. Both sides threw stones and cow dung at each other. A hoarding with Gandhi's picture was targeted with cow dung, which Congress workers later cleaned with milk.

Bahinipati warned that if the culprits are not arrested within 72 hours, protests will be organised in front of all Superintendents of Police (SP) offices across the state. He accused the BJP government of attempting to undermine democracy, similar to the BJD.

Rahul Gandhi's Remarks

In his first speech as Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha on Monday, Rahul Gandhi launched a fierce attack on the BJP. He accused the ruling party leaders of dividing people along communal lines. His remarks sparked significant protests from the treasury benches, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticising Gandhi for allegedly calling the entire Hindu community violent. Gandhi clarified that his comments were directed at the BJP.

The Congress party's demand for justice underscores ongoing political tensions in Odisha. The ultimatum reflects their determination to hold those responsible accountable while highlighting broader concerns about political violence and democratic principles.

The situation remains tense as both parties await police action. The outcome could influence future political dynamics in Odisha.