Thirteen Opposition parties in Odisha today staged a protest against the Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal government in the state and the Narendra Modi government at the Centre for their “mishandling” of the coronavirus pandemic and the rising fuel prices.

The parties included the Congress, CPI, AAP, Samajwadi Party, among others.

Holding placards against the state and central governments, the Opposition held a demonstration at Master Canteen Square in Bhubaneswar and submitted a memorandum to Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal.

Former MP Pradeep Majhi said the state and central governments have “looted” money that was meant for the management of the coronavirus pandemic. “This is why 13 Opposition parties have joined hands to protest against them.”

“While Telangana is purchasing masks for Rs 8, the Odisha government is purchasing the same mask for Rs 16,” he alleged.

Majhi said the Opposition will reach out to the people Odisha and tell them about the “corruption”.

Attacking the BJD government in the state, Majhi said it is “maintaining silence” on sustained fuel price hike.

However, both the BJD and BJP termed this demonstration a “political gimmick”.