Bhubaneswar, Sept 23: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Tuesday staged a massive protest at Lower PMG in Bhubaneswar, opposing the alleged curtailment of powers of panchayat representatives under the three-tier Panchayati Raj system. What began as a peaceful demonstration soon turned tense, as BJD workers attempted to march towards the Odisha Legislative Assembly.

As protesters advanced, police erected multiple barricades to stop their progress. However, determined BJD workers managed to break through two barricades, leading to heated clashes with security forces. In the ensuing chaos, police resorted to using water cannons and physically lifting and detaining several agitators to bring the situation under control.

The entire stretch of Lower PMG was heavily barricaded, with 28 platoons of police forces deployed to maintain law and order and prevent escalation.

The BJD leadership has accused the government of undermining grassroots democracy by reducing the authority of elected panchayat representatives, a move they claim will weaken the Panchayati Raj system. The party has vowed to continue its agitation until the decision is rolled back, signaling more political confrontation in the days ahead.

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