Bargarh, Odisha: Union Ministers Santosh Gangwar and Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti today had a rough going during their visit to Bargarh as BJD supporters including some legislators pelted stones and showed black flags to their cavalcade.
Union Textiles Minister Santosh Gangwar and Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti faced the wrath of BJD leaders when they arrived in the district to attend BJP's Vikas Parv Rally, marking completion of two years of the NDA government at the Centre, a police official said.
At least nine platoons (around 270 personnel) of police were deployed as part of security measures for the visit of the two ministers and the rally. The protesting BJD supporters showed black flags and demonstrated in front of Mr Gangwar's vehicle, he said.
"The police turned mute spectator when BJD leaders and supporters showed black flags without any hindrance," BJP state general secretary Bhrugu Buxipatra alleged.
Unfazed by the protest, Mr Gangwar reached the venue to attend the rally. Tension erupted when BJP supporters opposed the BJD action. BJD workers also protested near Gandhi Chhak wearing black shirts and holding black flags, Mr Buxipatra said.
Defending his party workers' actions Mr Acharya said, "We have protested in a democratic manner".
"This is an unfortunate incident. It is responsibility of the state government to provide security to the visiting union ministers. If union ministers are not safe in the state, the state government and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik should ponder whether common people can live peacefully here," Mr Gangwar said.
Union Textiles Minister Santosh Gangwar and Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti faced the wrath of BJD leaders when they arrived in the district to attend BJP's Vikas Parv Rally, marking completion of two years of the NDA government at the Centre, a police official said.
At least nine platoons (around 270 personnel) of police were deployed as part of security measures for the visit of the two ministers and the rally. The protesting BJD supporters showed black flags and demonstrated in front of Mr Gangwar's vehicle, he said.
"The police turned mute spectator when BJD leaders and supporters showed black flags without any hindrance," BJP state general secretary Bhrugu Buxipatra alleged.
Unfazed by the protest, Mr Gangwar reached the venue to attend the rally. Tension erupted when BJP supporters opposed the BJD action. BJD workers also protested near Gandhi Chhak wearing black shirts and holding black flags, Mr Buxipatra said.
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Defending his party workers' actions Mr Acharya said, "We have protested in a democratic manner".
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"This is an unfortunate incident. It is responsibility of the state government to provide security to the visiting union ministers. If union ministers are not safe in the state, the state government and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik should ponder whether common people can live peacefully here," Mr Gangwar said.
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