The MP from Nagina condemns the attack as a calculated conspiracy, demands immediate legal action
Team Clarion
RANCHI – Chandrashekhar Azad, president of the Azad Samaj Party and Member of Parliament from Nagina in Uttar Pradesh, was attacked during a public rally in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, on Tuesday (March 4).
A mob of approximately 250 individuals pelted stones at the venue, causing significant damage to several vehicles and spreading violence. Azad has accused workers of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating the attack, describing it as a deliberate attempt to silence voices advocating for social justice.
In a post shared on his social media account, Azad condemned the attack as an effort to crush democracy and the rights of marginalised communities. “Today, during my public meeting in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) goons carried out an organised and deadly attack. These anti-social elements, who came in a group of about 250, pelted stones at the venue, spread violence, attacked our workers and damaged dozens of vehicles. This attack is not just on me, but is a conspiracy to crush the voice of democracy, constitution, and social justice,” he wrote.
Azad further alleged that the attack was orchestrated by forces affiliated with the Sangh Parivar, who, according to him, enjoy the protection of those in power. He said, “This incident clearly shows that the organisations of the Sangh Parivar have the open protection of the power. These are the same forces that try to suppress every voice raised for the Bahujan movement, Dalit-backward society, and constitutional rights through violence and hooliganism. But we want to make it clear – we are not going to be afraid, we are not going to bow down!”
The MP from Nagina has demanded immediate action from Odisha chief minister and director general of police, calling for the arrest of all those responsible for the attack. “I demand from @CMO_Odisha and @DGPOdisha that all the culprits of this attack should be arrested immediately and strict legal action should be taken against them,” Azad wrote, emphasising that the fight for social justice would continue regardless of the violence faced.
After the attack, Azad met with his supporters and reiterated that their struggle to protect democracy and the Constitution would remain unwavering. “Our struggle is to protect the Constitution and democracy, and it will continue at any cost. Those who think that they will suppress our voice by attacking us should know this — our steps have not stopped, and will not stop!” he said.
During his speech in Bhubaneswar, Azad also raised concerns about the discriminatory practices faced by Dalits, backward classes, and tribals in Odisha, particularly regarding the state’s reservation policies. “The OBC community should get 27 per cent reservation, but only 11.25 per cent is being provided. Meanwhile, the general category, which constitutes just 6 per cent of the population, is being given 10 percent reservation. I demand an explanation from the government as to why this discrimination continues,” he said.
Despite the attack, Azad has promised to continue his fight within the constitutional framework, calling on his supporters to remain united, disciplined, and focused on education and awareness as the key to social progress. “We must first educate ourselves and then educate others. Only through awareness can we achieve lasting social justice and progress,” he stated.
