BJD moves child rights panel over alleged use of children at BJP political rally in Odisha
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Monday (July 13, 2026) approached the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR), a quasi-judicial body, alleging
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Monday (July 13, 2026) approached the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR), a quasi-judicial body, alleging that children were used in a political rally organised by Bharatiya Janata Party following the induction of former MLA Pravat Ranjan Biswal into the party. A BJD delegation submitted a complaint before the OSCPCR, seeking an enquiry into the alleged use of children in the political programme and action in accordance with the law. “It has come to our notice that on July 12, 2026, a joining programme of the BJP was organised in Bhubaneswar, during which former MLA Pravat Ranjan Biswal joined the BJP.
A political rally was also organised in connection with the programme. During the rally, several minor children were reportedly seen wearing BJP caps and carrying party flags, placards, and banners,” the complaint said. “The participation of children in a political rally in such a manner raises serious concerns regarding their rights, welfare, and protection. Children should not be involved in political activities or rallies in a manner that may expose them to political influence or public mobilisation,” it further said. BJD urged the Commission to take cognisance of the matter, conduct an inquiry, and issue notices to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, BJP State president Manmohan Samal and Mr. Biswal.
Since its defeat in the 2024 Assembly elections, the BJD’s strength in the Odisha Assembly has gone down by nine seats. While the party lost the Nuapada seat in a byelection, it suspended two MLAs for anti-party activities. Subsequently, six MLAs were accused of cross-voting during the Rajya Sabha election, that turned out to be a critical factor in the victory of independent candidate Dilip Ray. Biswal had represented the Cuttack-Choudwar Assembly seat as a BJD candidate. Subsequently, his son Souvic Biswal won the seat as a BJD candidate.
However, during the Rajya Sabha election, Souvic Biswal voted in favour of Mr. Ray, allegedly going against the BJD whip.
The BriefWire