Bhubaneswar, Sept. 20 -- Accusing the BJP government of undermining the role of elected panchayat representatives, the Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) today announced to gherao the Odisha Assembly on September 23.
Ward members, Sarpanches, Samiti members, Panchayat Samiti presidents, Zilla Parishad members, and Zilla Parishad presidents from across the state are expected to participate in the protest, demanding the protection of the three-tier Panchayati Raj system and the annulment of arbitrary and unconstitutional directives.
BJD Vice President Debi Prasad Mishra told reporters that ever since the BJP came to power in the state, it has misused administrative powers to sideline Gram Sabhas and Panchayats, attempting to weaken the three-...