BJP workers wave black flags at Odisha Min Damodar Rout

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Angul, Jul 17:

As a mark of protest against the attack on Union Minister Santosh Gangwar’s convoy in Odisha’s Bargarh on June 24, BJP workers today showed black flags to Odisha Excise Minister Damodar Rout while he was in Angul to attend the eight death anniversary function of former minister Adwait Prasad Singh.

On the other hand, Biju Janata Dal workers alleged manhandled the BJP workers in retaliation.

The incident occurred while the minister was on his way to the local circuit house. While a bunch of BJP workers came running towards his car and started shouting slogans and waving black flags, the BJD workers clashed with them.

The situation, however, was quickly brought under control by the police.

Speaking to reporters after the event, Rout denied both the black flag incident and the resultant clash.

“I didn’t see anyone opposing me. Many blame the king behind his back, but they are respectful while speaking on his face,” said Rout in his signature care a damn demeanour.

It may be noted here that BJP workers have earlier shown black flags to minister Ashok Panda, Biju Janata Dal Bhubaneswar north MLA Priyadarshi Mishra, Higher Education Minister Pradeep Panigrahi, Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare Minister Sanjay Das Burma, Health Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak among others in retaliation against the Bargarh incident.