Following a brief break, the campaign for the creation of the “Koshal” state has regained steam in Western Odisha, with protests being held in about ten districts.
People protested and took to the streets in Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Bargarh, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Deogarh, Sonepur, Boudh, and Bolangir in support of the creation of a distinct Koshal state.
Today, the protesters could also be seen brandishing banners while picketing in front of a number of offices. Due to the bandh, stores, businesses, and even educational institutions were shuttered.
Train services were partially impacted while most areas’ road transportation came to a complete standstill.
On the other hand, several Sambalpur residents protested the bandh call, claiming that attempts were being made to “koshalize” the Sambalpuri language, culture, and literature in the name of the Koshal state.
“Our Sambalpuri language and culture will not be suppressed by anyone. We vehemently reject such initiatives, a Sambalpur resident stated.
“A plot has been hatched to undermine our traditions and culture, but we won’t allow anyone to be successful in their evil intentions. We’ll keep fighting for it, according to another resident.
the Sambalpuri language, culture, and literature are being attempted to be “koshalized” in the name of the Koshal state, according to the ruling BJD.
This is a malevolent plot against Sambalpuri tradition and culture. However, we won’t allow anyone to be successful in their nefarious plans. We’ll keep fighting for it, a resident opposed to the demonstration remarked.
CM Naveen Patnaik’s 22 years of leadership have led to Odisha being one of India’s key emerging states, according to minister of commerce and transport Tukuni Sahu. For his efforts and dedication to the state, Naveen has also received the best CM award. He accords emphasis to every region of the state. He has always been aware of the issues in Western Odisha and has made efforts to address them. He has consistently treated every region of the state fairly. Whatever the problem, we will do all in our power to accept that there is no solution and work with CM to resolve it.
Similar to how legendary leader Narasingha Mishra put it, “I’ve always believed that a separate state is not necessary. However, it is true that other areas, with the exception of a few in Western Odisha, remain neglected. Compared to coastal regions, less money is invested in the development of Western regions. I oppose the creation of a new state, though. I’m not in favour of creating another state, but the dissatisfaction of the residents of western Odisha needs to be resolved as quickly as feasible. The state government is not paying attention, despite repeated concerns. This might split the state in half soon.
On the other hand, the leader of the opposition, Jayanarayan Mishra, criticised the administration, claiming that “people avoiding the capital of Odisha are being forgotten. There is no room for growth there. It is a reality that there is no development in the entire state. Rural and difficult-to-reach areas are particularly overlooked by the government. Therefore, it is inevitable that protests and demands for a separate state would occur.
Prasanta Patnaik