BJD Workers burn BJP Flag in Sambalpur, Leaders part of Hooliganism

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) workers backed by their leaders, set a dangerous precedent when they burnt the party flag of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at Gol Bazar in Sambalpur yesterday. They were protesting against Dharmendra Pradhan over his alleged links with Vyapam accused. But, they failed to respect a flag, which remains the heart and soul of any party, organisation or country.

It was not the handiwork of some party workers. Rather, Zilla Parishad President Shobhagini Nayak, BJD’s Town President Basant Mishra, District Youth BJD President Subas Jena, District Women’s Wing leader Usha Pradhan, State Executive Member Siddharth Das and many others were part of the hooliganism.

Several intellectuals, political leaders and media professionals have condemned the incident, but surprisingly, the BJP leaders in Odisha are yet to react to the incident in a strong manner.

Although effigy burning has now become a part and parcel of agitations and demonstrations these days, the political parties do maintain some decency and respect each others’ flag. By burning the BJP flag, BJD has set a wrong precedent. It must apologise for the incident and take strong action against the guilty. Or else, it will have severe repercussions in future. Hope, good sense prevails!