The BJP activists here organised a Satyagraha in front of the office of the IG of Police, northern range, protesting the arrest of Jayanarayan Mishra in connection with Banabira murder during the Bijepur by-election. Hundreds of BJP workers, including ladies in good numbers, were present and criticised the police and the State Government, alleging that Mshra had been arrested for no fault.
But to the utter surprise of the BJP leaders and the political observers too, it was seen that the district president of the party Rama Chandra Meher who was supposed to lead was not present. It proves a section of the party leaders neither supports Mishra nor his activities.
“Mishra’s activities are not in the interest of the party. He does it to get highlighted,” alleged a few leaders in the BJP.
Kuchinda MlA Ravi Naik, however, narrated Mishra’s arrest as politically motivated and the ruling party’s vengeance against a senior leader. “Mishra at one point of time was a Minister in Naveen Patnaik’s Cabinet with important portfolios. But the same Patnaik is taking revenge on him for sheer political reasons,” alleged Naik.
Manas Baxi of the BJP youth wing also protested the arrest, demanding immediate release of Mishra and withdrawal of all cases against him. “In a democracy, Opposition is the shadow Government. But Naveen Patnaik is trying to squeeze the neck of the Opposition through police forces,” Baxi said.
Other leaders of the party also alleged that police were not getting free hand to act in Odisha. They further blamed even the district Collector and the SP of Bargarh for acting as BJD workers during the by-election and even after it. The arrest of Jaya carries is the best proof of it, they blamed.
The police took all precautionary measures to prevent any untoward situation during the Satyagraha.