Bhubaneswar, July 19: The Drivers’ Federation of India has strongly condemned the recent arrests of leaders involved in the ‘Quit Steering’ protest in Odisha and has warned of a nationwide agitation if the detained individuals are not released immediately.

In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, the federation demanded the withdrawal of what it called “false and fabricated charges” against their leaders. The protest, organized to demand social security and welfare for drivers, was led peacefully by Odisha Driver Mahasangha President Prashant Menduli and his associate, according to federation president Baba Kamble.

Despite the non-violent nature of the demonstration, the Odisha government reportedly invoked stringent sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) to arrest the protest leaders. Among those detained was Mahasangha Treasurer Aditya Prasad Behera, who now faces charges that could result in up to four years’ imprisonment.

Kamble accused the state administration of suppressing the voices of drivers through intimidation and legal overreach. He called upon all driver unions across India to unite in solidarity and prepare for a nationwide strike if their demands are not met.

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