Bhubaneswar: The controversy surrounding the use of children in political rallies in Odisha intensified on Monday as the BJD shot back, accusing the ruling BJP of involving minors in a public event.
This comes a couple of days after the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) issued a show-cause notice to senior BJD leaders, including party president Naveen Patnaik, over alleged use of children in the party’s ‘Save Education’ rally in Jharsuguda.
The fresh round of conflict began when a BJD delegation submitted a memorandum to OSCPCR chairperson Babita Patra. The BJD alleged that several children participated in a massive roadshow organised on Sunday to mark the induction of former BJD MLA Pravat Ranjan Biswal into the BJP.
According to the opposition, children wearing BJP caps were seen carrying party flags, placards, and banners. “The participation of children in a political rally in such a manner raises serious concerns regarding their rights, welfare, and protection. Children should not be involved in political activities or rallies in a manner that may expose them to political influence or public mobilisation,” it highlighted.
BJD media coordinator Priyabrata Majhi said that the party has sought action in accordance with the law and measures to ensure that children are not present in political rallies in future.
The BJP strongly denied the charges. Spokesperson Manoj Mohapatra asserted that no children took part in the induction event. He accused the BJD of deflecting attention due to its own organisational woes. “Frustrated with its crumbling structure and shrinking cadre base, the BJD is looking for excuses instead of responding to the OSCPCR notice issued to it,” Mohapatra said.
The BJD’s Friday rally in Jharsuguda, protesting against the alleged errors in school textbooks, saw children participating in school uniforms. Three approached the commission, alleging that minors were used in a political rally during school hours and were exposed to fire and smoke. The OSCPCR viewed this as a potential violation of the Right to Education Act and the POCSO Act, seeking explanations from the BJD leadership within seven days. The BJD had then defended the Jharsuguda event as a non-political, socio-educational movement focused on student issues. Biju Chhatra Janata Dal state president Ipsita Sahoo emphasised that parents were consulted in advance and gave consent for their children’s voluntary participation. “The children joined the programme with their parents’ consent,” she stressed.
