Bargarh (Odisha): Hundreds of workers, allegedly belonging to the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha today pelted stones at the vehicle of Union Textiles minister Santosh Gangwar in Bargarh where he was on a visit.
The incident took place when the minister was on his way to attend BJP’s Vikas Utsav. Reports suggested that the minister, however, escaped unhurt.
BJD MLA Debesh Acharya was also among the workers who allegedly pelted stones at the car of Union minister here. BJD workers also waved black flags and displayed placards asking Gangwar to go back.
Speaking to media, Gangwar later blamed CM Naveen Patnaik for the incident and wondered how the “BJD government (that) can’t protect a minister, how it protects the common men”.
“The protection of a Union minister is the duty of the state government but this government failed… this is unfortunate,” he said.
The BJP’s state unit general secretary Bhrugu Baxipatra also took an aggressive stance over the issue.
“The protests and the humiliation that was extended to our leaders by the local MLA and the BJD minister today would not have been possible without the direction of the Chief Minister. BJP would retaliate. We will oppose the tours of BJD ministers everywhere in the coming days,” Baxipatra said.
“They have not only humiliated the guests of the state government, but also humiliated the leadership representing these (OBC, SC/ ST) sections of the society,” Baxipatra added.
Meanwhile, the stone-pelters and agitators allegedly led by BJD leader Acharya were arrested after the incident.
