The Youth Congress on Saturday held a major demonstration in Bhubaneswar by gheraoing the residence of Odisha Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena over the ongoing problems at Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) centres. Activists reportedly started with a bicycle rally and marched toward the minister’s residence, protesting against the heavy rush and inconvenience faced by vehicle owners across the state.
Tensions rose when police tried to stop the protesters, resulting in scuffles at the site. Several agitators attempted to break through barricades before the police intervened to manage the situation.
Protesters claimed that the government's decision on PUCC has caused severe hardship for common people and demanded its withdrawal within three days. They warned of intensified protests, including hurling eggs and staging a gherao at the Chief Minister’s residence if their demands are not met. Youth Congress leader Yasir Nawaz accused the government of unjustly penalising ordinary citizens while ignoring pollution caused in mining areas.
Responding to the controversy, BJP Yuva Morcha President Abhilash Panda stated that controlling pollution is essential and that the government has already extended the PUCC deadline until April. He urged that the issue should not be politicised and highlighted the growing importance of maintaining air quality.
