BJD slams Odisha govt over Bhubaneswar taxi drivers’ clash, demands probe

Bhubaneswar, Aug 20 (IANS) The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Thursday condemned the violent clash between the online taxi drivers’ association and Commissionerate Police personnel during an agitation by the former in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday, and demanded a high‑level inquiry into the incident.

Addressing a press conference at Sankha Bhawan, BJD spokesperson and Media Coordinator Lenin Mohanty said there was no place for violence in a democratic movement. He condemned stone‑pelting at Master Canteen Square, vandalism of Ama buses and police vehicles, and attacks on police personnel, saying legal action should be taken against those involved.

“During yesterday’s agitation, the drivers clashed with the police. The Biju Janata Dal strongly condemns the pelting of stones at Master Canteen Square, vandalism of Ama buses and police vehicles, and attacks on police personnel. Legal action must be taken against those who took the law into their own hands,” Mohanty said.

The senior BJD leader said drivers of Ola, Uber and Rapido had been protesting in Bhubaneswar over demands including fare revisions, reduced app commissions and social security.

According to the party, the drivers had been agitating since August 17, and the government remained silent instead of holding discussions with them and addressing their grievances. He said around 400 to 500 autos were simultaneously parked on major roads as part of the agitation, blocking traffic.

“The drivers were protesting over legitimate demands such as revision of fares, reduction of app commissions and social security. While the drivers had been agitating for three days since August 17, instead of holding discussions with them and resolving their problems, the State Government remained silent,” alleged Mohanty.

He questioned how the police administration had no prior information about the road blockade. Mohanty said the online auto drivers’ association had earlier held discussions with the Transport Minister and subsequently sought permission from the Commissionerate Police for a one‑day agitation in Bhubaneswar.

The first day of the agitation remained peaceful, he said, and questioned how permission was granted for the agitation the following day.

The BJD leader also alleged that the Intelligence Department failed to anticipate the blocking of important roads leading to the railway station and airport.

Since the Home Department is under the Chief Minister, he demanded that the Chief Minister answer for the alleged intelligence failure. The BJD demanded a high‑level inquiry into the role of the Intelligence Department and police administration in the violent incident at Master Canteen Square.

–IANS

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