The State Capital of Odisha witnessed on Thursday a huge rally against CAA, NPR and NRC in response to a united call given by progressive political organizations, social groups, academics, mediapersons, artists and students in the State under the banner of ‘We The People Of India’.

A peaceful gathering of about 30,000 people solemnly reaffirmed their faith in the Constitution of India and took a vow to uphold its all-inclusive principles, values and dignity at any cost. After a massive peaceful march from Exhibition ground to the Mahatma Gandhi Marg with placards and banners clearly denouncing the CAA, NPR and NRC and raising slogans for saving Constitution, Democracy and Diversity in India, the march reached Lower PMG. Prominent intellectuals, academics, artists, minorities, Dalits, adivasis, political and social activists, students and youth leaders were in the forefront along with common men and women of the State who came from all walks of life and faith.

In a hugely attended meeting at the Mahatma Gandhi Marg, the participants in the rally read the Preamble of the Constitution. The speakers reminded about the circumstances and forces those who killed Gandhi and how they have reappeared now with greater aggression and determination to reduce the minorities particularly Muslims and the resource poor Dalits and adivasis to that of second class citizens.

They further said that an undeclared emergency was going on and citizens must come out in open to protest and reject all unconstitutional, undemocratic and anti-people policies of the State.

They declared that the mission would not end with the march of January 30; rather this was just the beginning and that the message would be taken forward to all regional, sub regional and local levels. With colourful messages on the placards, songs and creative presentation each calling for rejection of CAA, NRC and NPR, for the first time in Odisha, an atmosphere of faith, goodwill and brotherhood was created cutting across faith, ideological practices and social background.

They protestors urged the Naveen Patnaik Government to follow the example set up by the Kerala Government and other States and resolve not to allow CAA, NRC and NPR in Odisha.