BJD holds bike rally to protest Odisha’s kerosene quota reduction

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Apr 10:

The ruling BJD today organized bike rally in protest against Centre’s reduction of kerosene quota to Odisha.

The rally led by Odisha Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Sanjay Dasburma was taken out from BJD party office to Raj Bhawan.

Hundreds of protesters including Biju Yuva Janata Dal (BYJD) members gheraoed Raj Bhawan to demonstrate against Centre’s decision.

A team of the party leaders will submit a memorandum to Governor SC Jamir addressing President Pranab Mukherjee against Centre’s kerosene quota policy.

Talking to media persons, Dasburma said, “The Union Minister said that Odisha Chief Minister and Governor are also getting kerosene quota. How can he make such irresponsible statement? The Union Minister should clarify how much quota has been reduced, why it was reduced and when the quota will be restored”.

The state government alleged the Centre of slashing 36% of the State’s kerosene quota this year and allotted only 62,112 Kilolitre.

Countering the BJD’s allegation, Union Petroleum & Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan yesterday slammed the government and asked to release the list of beneficiaries if it has guts.