Bhubaneswar, Sept. 26 (UDN): Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das was hospitalised after falling ill during the party’s protest outside the Chief Electoral Officer’s office in Bhubaneswar on Friday.
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Das, who had reportedly been suffering from a fever-related illness for the past several days, participated in the protest despite not having taken adequate rest due to his engagements in various party programmes. He was later taken to a private hospital for medical evaluation and treatment.
According to reports, medical examination found elevated blood pressure and blood sugar levels, along with low oxygen saturation. Doctors have advised him to remain under treatment and take rest for about a week.
The OPCC president had led a protest march from the Additional District Magistrate’s office towards the Odisha CEO’s office, as part of the Congress’s nationwide agitation seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Congress leaders and workers carrying banners and placards participated in the demonstration. Police stopped the protesters from proceeding towards the CEO’s office, and several party leaders and workers, including Das, were detained during the agitation.
The protest was organised by the Congress over its concerns regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and other issues concerning the functioning of the Election Commission. The Congress has alleged irregularities in the electoral process, while the Election Commission has rejected suggestions of disagreement among its members over decisions relating to the SIR exercise.
Following the protest, Das was shifted to hospital in an ambulance for medical attention. Party workers and leaders have wished the OPCC chief a speedy recovery.
