Child rally row escalates as BJD targets BJP, ruling party counters allegation

Bhubaneswar: A fresh political slugfest erupted on Monday over the alleged participation of children at political events, with the BJD, facing an OSCPCR notice in the matter, accusing the BJP of indulging in the same practice — a charge the ruling party denied.In a memorandum submitted to the chairperson of Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR), Babita Patra, the BJD alleged that several children participated in a rally organised during the induction of former BJD MLA Pravat Biswal into the BJP on Sunday. The party claimed that the children were seen wearing BJP caps and carrying party flags, placards and banners.The opposition party contended that the participation of children in a political rally raised serious concerns about their rights, welfare and protection.

BJD argued that children should not be involved in political activities in a manner that could expose them to political influence or public mobilisation.Seeking an inquiry into the matter, the BJD urged the commission to take appropriate action. “We have sought action in accordance with the law and measures to ensure that children are not present in political rallies in future,” BJD’s media coordinator, Priyabrata Majhi, said.

Responding to the allegation, BJP spokesperson Manoj Mohapatra rejected the charge and said no children participated in the event where Biswal joined the party. “Frustrated with its crumbling organisational structure and shrinking cadre base, the BJD is looking for excuses. Instead of responding to the OSCPCR notice issued to it over the alleged presence of children in a rally, it is trying to drag the BJP into the controversy,” Mohapatra said.The latest allegation comes days after the OSCPCR issued a show-cause notice to BJD president

Naveen Patnaik

over the alleged presence of children during the party’s ‘Save Education’ rally in Jharsuguda. The BJD has maintained that the event was non-political and that children attended it with the consent of their parents.