By Our Correspondent
NEW DELHI/BHUBANESWAR: A peaceful protest was organized by the Pravasi Odia Vikas Samiti (POVS), the largest Odia diaspora organization, to show solidarity with Pratap Sarangi, MP from Balasore. Sarangi is currently undergoing treatment at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital after sustaining injuries during a scuffle in Parliament. The incident occurred when Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, allegedly pushed another MP, causing Sarangi to fall and sustain a head injury.
The POVS emphasized the need to uphold the values of India’s parliamentary democracy and preserve the legacy of the Indian Parliament. Sarangi, who remains under observation in the ICU, has been receiving support and prayers from across the nation.
Condemning the actions of Rahul Gandhi, the POVS demanded “swift and appropriate” action based on the FIR filed against him. Following a BJP complaint regarding the scuffle that injured two BJP MPs, including Mukesh Rajput, Delhi Police transferred the case to its Crime Branch for further investigation.
“The country in general, and the people of Odisha in particular, are deeply distressed by the recent behavior of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who physically pushed MPs of the ruling party. This act led to serious injuries to BJP MPs Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput,” said Chinmay Mohanty, Vice President of POVS.
Mohanty further added, “Gandhi has admitted to his actions with shocking arrogance, undermining the moral fabric of parliamentary conduct. Rahul Gandhi must apologize to the nation for his irresponsible behavior, failing which the law must take its course.”
Prof. Satya Bhusan Das, another Vice President of POVS, stated, “Members of Parliament are role models and reference points for the common man. Those who tarnish the image of Parliament must offer an unconditional apology.”
The protest was attended by several members of the Odia diaspora, including Prabodha Swain, Tapas Parida, Shyam Mishra, Malaya Pradhan, Santosh Rout, Gobardhan Dhal, Sanjay Das, Akshay Samal, Gyan Mahakud, Deba Pani, and Sanjeev Mohanty. The event was coordinated by Amiya Nayak. Pravasi Odias from across Delhi-NCR actively participated in the protest, expressing their support for Sarangi and their commitment to democratic values.
