Cuttack: A clash erupted between BJP and BJD workers on Local Self Government Day while unveiling a statue of Buxi Jagabandhu in Buxi Bazar area of Odisha’s Cuttack on Saturday.
The clash occurred when the two groups started shouted slogans on arrival of Rajya Sabha Member Debashish Samantaray of BJD and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahatab at Buxi Bazar.
According to sources, both groups hailed leaders of their respective parties for Odisha’s overall development, which led to heated arguments and sloganeering.
While the local Byabasai Sangh (trader’s association) was happy about fulfilment of their long-standing demand for erection of the statue, it dubbed the chaos as distasteful.
“Politicisation of unveiling a great warrior’s statue with party flags and behaviour of workers of both parties at a public event was uncalled for,” the locals said.
The BJD leaders said their government and Cuttack Municipal Corporation had a key role in installation of the statue but the BJP wants to take credit, which they opposed.
The reaction of BJP leaders in this matter was not available till this report was filed.
