Barely a month after the ruling BJD organised a rally near the Naveen Niwas, the residence of Chief Minister Naveen Pataik, despite the prohibition order of Section 144 of CrPC, the regional party again on Monday took out a series of processions led by Ministers and MlAs along the AG Square-Secretariat-Assembly road violating the prohibition order.
Ministers and MlAs were seen leading huge crowds along the Sachivalaya Marg to the Chhtra Samavesh venue at the Rastra Bhasa Sangram Samiti field inviting flaks from opposition parties.
Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Sudam Marandi, MlAs Mayadhar Jena, Prasanta Jagdev and Prafulla Samal accompanied by their supporters passed the road shouting slogans and holding placards. Marandi sought to explain that students joined him spontaneously when he was on his way to the Samavesh along with a few supporters. He also clarified that they did not obstruct vehicular movement along the road.
Prafulla Samal and Mayadhar Jena clarified that they had asked the students coming from their constituencies to go to the venue on other routes, but as they are new at the State capital they took the Sachivalaya Marg to reach the venue. The lawmakers said nobody from the crowds resorted to any indiscipline during the rallies.
Congress and BJP targeted the Chief Minister and sought immediate legal action against the law violators.
Terming the Samavesh as Government-sponsored, PCC general secretary Sangram Jena wanted to know how the ruling party leaders were allowed to take out processions in the prohibited area.
BJP youth wing president Umakanta Patnaik too slammed the Government and demanded immediate action against the violators.