Odisha Drivers' Strike Turns Political, Says Transport Minister

Odisha Drivers' Strike Turns Political, Says Transport Minister

Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena alleged on Friday that the ongoing strike by the Odisha Drivers' Mahasangha has taken a political turn. His comments followed the association’s president urging protestors not to block vehicles attending Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Save the Constitution’ rally in Bhubaneswar.

Taking to social media, Jena stated, “The government has already considered and discussed the demands raised by the drivers’ association. There is no further need for protest.” He added that politics is now evident in the movement after the strike was deferred by a day in support of the Congress event on July 11.

Appealing for peace, Jena urged the association not to misguide honest and hardworking drivers under the pretext of protest. “I request all drivers to step away from the agitation,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Odisha Congress shared a video message from association president Prashant Menduli, who asked drivers not to obstruct vehicles carrying Congress supporters. Menduli clarified that while the protest continues, the association is supporting the request made by a Congress MLA to ensure smooth transportation for the public meeting.

“There’s no need to panic. I request drivers to allow Congress vehicles to move freely,” Menduli stated in the video.

The strike entered its fourth day on Friday, disrupting fuel and transport services across the state. Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee President Bhakta Charan Das accused the state government of deliberately intensifying the protest to sabotage Rahul Gandhi’s visit.