Congress Workers Detained Ahead of PM Modi’s Odisha Visit

Bhubaneswar: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Odisha on Friday, the Commissionerate Police have taken several Congress leaders into preventive detention, triggering sharp criticism from the opposition.

Among those detained is Yashir Nawaz, former Youth Congress President and current General Secretary of the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee. According to officials, five Congress workers were taken into custody on Thursday night as a precautionary measure.

“A total of five Congress workers were detained last night as a preventive step,” confirmed a senior police official.

Reacting strongly, the Congress condemned the midnight arrests, accusing the BJP government of resorting to authoritarian tactics.

“If the BJP is truly celebrating ‘One Year, Many Achievements’ of its government, why is it afraid of opposition leaders?” asked Nawaz. “Congress workers were arrested from their homes in the middle of the night. We strongly condemn this act and will continue to fight for justice without fear.”

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to land at Biju Patnaik International Airport at around 3:40 p.m. on Friday. From there, he will lead a massive roadshow to Janata Maidan, where he will address a large public gathering.

During the visit, the Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for several development projects worth approximately ₹19,000 crore. He is also expected to interact with beneficiaries of the Lakhpati Didi scheme, felicitate 25 eminent freedom fighters, and launch a digital Hundi system for the Jagannath Temple in Puri.

To ensure security, Odisha Police, in coordination with central agencies, have deployed 133 platoons of police personnel and multiple senior officers across the capital. Strict measures are being enforced to maintain law and order during the high-profile visit.