TNI Bureau: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Wednesday staged a massive protest at Master Canteen Square against the recent hike in LPG cylinder prices and the rising cost of essential commodities such as cooking oil.

Thousands of party workers, including members of Biju Mahila Janata Dal, Biju Yuva Janata Dal, and Biju Chhatra Janata Dal, along with women, youth, students and members of the public, participated in the demonstration. Protesters expressed strong resentment over the continuous rise in prices, saying it has made everyday life increasingly difficult for common people.

The protest was led by Biju Mahila Janata Dal president Snehangini Chhuria, Biju Yuva Janata Dal president Chinmay Sahu, and Biju Chhatra Janata Dal president Ipsita Sahu. As part of the agitation, party workers cooked food on traditional wood-fired stoves on the road, raising slogans against what they termed the negligence and inaction of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government.

According to the party, the price of domestic LPG cylinders has increased by ₹60 across the country since March 7, while commercial cylinders have become costlier by ₹115.

The BJD alleged that the price hike has imposed an additional financial burden on ordinary citizens, small businesses and commercial establishments.

Addressing the gathering, Snehangini Chhuria accused the government of misleading women through the Subhadra scheme. She alleged that while the government promised financial assistance of ₹50,000 to women under the scheme, only ₹5,000 was provided. Instead of strengthening women’s financial security, she said, the government has worsened their situation through repeated price hikes.

Biju Yuva Janata Dal president Chinmay Sahu said that even when international oil prices had declined earlier, the benefit was not passed on to consumers. He alleged that the “double engine government” was working in the interest of oil companies and had failed to effectively regulate the oil sector.

Biju Chhatra Janata Dal president Ipsita Sahu highlighted the impact on students, noting that lakhs of students living in hostels would face increased expenses due to rising costs in common mess facilities. She warned that students would be significantly affected by the price hike.

BJD leaders also warned that if immediate steps are not taken to ensure adequate LPG supply and address the price hike, the party would launch a statewide agitation in the coming days.