BHUBANESWAR: The Congress today staged a demonstration in front of the Raj Bhavan here demanding resignation of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and a CBI probe into the alleged escapade of a self-styled godman in Kendrapara.
"Our demand is resignation of Chief Minister Patnaik and CBI probe into the alleged escapade of a godman and his relationship with the ruling party ministers, MLAs and MPs," said Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Prasad Harichandan who led the agitation.
Besides Harichandan, Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Narasingh Mishra, AICC deputy in-charge of Odisha Subhankar Sarkar and others leaders of the party joined the march to the Raj Bhavan.
Claiming that the Chief Minister's involvement with the fake godman has been exposed, Harichandan blamed Patnaik for police excesses in Kendrapara, firing at Namtara and other incidents.
"There is no law in the land. Police excesses are witnessed across the state. As Home minister, Patnaik has failed. Therefore, we are demanding his resignation," he said.
Narasingha Mishra said "We demand an apology from the Chief Minister for the police excesses on the innocent people of Kendrapara and Keonjhar. Why is he silent?"
The Congress submitted a memorandum to the Governor seeking his intervention into the affairs of the state.
Defending Patnaik, the ruling BJD claimed the state has taken appropriate steps in the Kendrapara case and would not spare anyone found guilty.
"The Congress is competing with the BJP to prove it is the second largest political party in the state," said BJD spokesman Amar Satpathy adding, it was a habit of the Congress to demand resignation of the Chief Minister.