After egg attack, Odisha Health minister shown black flags

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Cuttack, Jan 8:

Embarrassment continues to hit Odisha ministers with Health Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak becoming the latest victim of opposition Congress’ protest today.

Three days after the Health Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak was faced with egg attack in Deogarh district, Congress activists today showed black flags to him and shouted anti-government slogans.

Black flags were waved at Nayak here during his visit to attend a program at Acharya Harihar Regional Cancer Centre today. Following the incident, four members were arrested.

Despite heightened security, the activists managed to break the cordon and waylaid the minister’s vehicle to register their protest.

Disapproving of the recent egg attacks on ministers, Congress spokesperson Biswaranjan Mohanty said: “My party doesn’t belive and support violent protests like egg pelting. There is nothing wrong in showing black flags as it is a legitimate form of protest in a democracy.”

It may be recalled that Congress activists had pelted eggs at Nayak’s vehicle near Kurada village of Deogarh district while he was returning from an official tour of Sambalpur.

Following the incident, he had to cancel the trip to the district. This apart, Nayak had also cancelled a meeting in Kendrapara in the last minute yesterday.