Bhubaneswar, July 13 (UNI) The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Monday urged the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) to issue show-cause notices to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, BJP state president Manmohan Samal and former MLA Pravat Ranjan Biswal over the alleged use of minor children in a political rally held in Bhubaneswar on Sunday.
In a memorandum submitted to the OSCPCR Chairperson,a delegation of the principal Opposition party alleged that children were made to participate in a BJP rally organised in connection with a joining programme held in the state capital on July 12.
Former BJD MLA Pravat Ranjan Biswal joined the BJP at the programme.
The BJD alleged that several minor children were seen participating in the political rally wearing BJP caps and carrying party placards and flags.
Taking strong exception to the alleged involvement of minors in the rally, the BJD said the incident raised serious concerns over the rights, welfare and protection of children.
The party maintained that children should not be involved in political rallies or activities that could expose them to political influence or public mobilisation.
The BJD urged the OSCPCR Chairperson to take cognizance of the matter, conduct an appropriate inquiry and initiate action in accordance with law.
It also sought suitable directions to ensure that children are not used in political rallies, demonstrations or election campaigns in the future.
Expressing faith in the Commission, the BJD said it expected the child rights body to take immediate cognizance of the alleged incident and initiate necessary steps to safeguard the rights and best interests of children.
The party also demanded an inquiry into the alleged participation of minors in the July 12 political rally in Bhubaneswar.
The BJD's memorandum comes close on the heels of the OSCPCR issuing show-cause notices to BJD President Naveen Patnaik, former BJD MLAs Deepali Das and Alka Mohanty, and Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD) President Ipsita Sahoo over the alleged use of children in a 'Save Education' protest organised by the party in Jharsuguda.
School students, including minor girls in uniform, had allegedly participated in the rally.
The Commission issued the show-cause notices while acting on a complaint filed on July 10, 2026, which was supported by photographs and video footage.
It asked the BJD leaders to explain why legal action or recommendations for appropriate proceedings should not be initiated against them for allegedly allowing schoolchildren to participate in the political rally.
With the BJD now levelling similar allegations against the ruling BJP, the issue has triggered a fresh political controversy and intensified the debate over the use of children in political rallies and demonstrations in Odisha.
UNI DP