Odisha Cong holds ‘Save Democracy’ protest

As part of the Congress party’s nation-wide ‘Save Democracy’ dharna in front of the Raj Bhavans at State capitals and all district headquarters protesting the decision of the Karnataka Governor in inviting the BJP to form Government in that State, the Odisha Congress held a demonstration before the Raj Bhavan here on Friday.

Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Niranjan Patnaik said, “In Karnataka, the Constitution is being murdered. And in all States, the rules and laws are different for the BJP Government. The decision of the Karnataka Governor is unfortunate and massive demonstrations will be carried out to protest this.”

OPCC working president Chiranjib Biswal said, “This is an undemocratic move of the Karnataka Governor. The post-poll Congress-JD(S) coalition has the requisite majority number of 117 as compared to the BJP’s 104. Still the BJP was asked to form the Government in the State and BS Yedyurappa took oath as the Chief Minister. We have submitted a memorandum against this to the President of India through the Odisha Governor.”

Later, an OPCC delegation submitted the party’s memorandum to the President through the Odisha Governor urging him to safeguard democratic principles and the sanctity of the Constitution.

Later, senior party leaders including PCC working president Pradeep Majhi he a Press conference at the Congress Bhawan here and strongly denounced the Karnataka Governor’s act in favour of the BJP.