Pradhan accuses BJD of maintaining ‘double standards’ on demonetisation move

Bhubaneswar: Union petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday accused the Odisha government of supporting the protest call given by the opposition parties against demonetisation move.

“First, the BJD government in Odisha welcomed the central government decision on demonetisation move. Now, it closed down the educational institutions. The state government is indirectly supporting the protest. It shows the double standard of the government,” said Pradhan.

He said while the opposition parties have changed their stand and decided to stage protests instead of the bandh, the Odisha government went two steps ahead and declared to close down the educational institutions.

He said the ruling BJD is involved in the black money transactions.

The Odisha government has declared a holiday for all government and private educational institutions across the state.

The government said the decision has been taken for the safety and security of the students. Besides, the Home department has directed all district collectors to keep a close eye on law and order situation during the protest.

Meanwhile, Several opposition parties including Congress, CPI, CPI (M), and CPI (M)L staged a protest at various banks in the state.