Cuttack, Oct. 6 -- Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Rajya Sabha MP Sulata Deo on Sunday condemned the violent clashes during Durga Puja idol immersion in Cuttack, Odisha, which erupted after police denied permission for a bike rally to prevent communal tensions, leading to stone-pelting that injured 25 including eight policemen and prompted internet shutdowns and prohibitory orders.

Speaking to ANI, Deo highlighted the city's tradition of communal harmony while criticising the BJP-led government's handling of law and order and rising crimes against women since coming to power.

"Cuttack is a city of brotherhood where Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians all live together in harmony, and there's never a problem during festivals. What happened in C...