Naveen Patnaik Backs Cockroach Janata Party Leaders; BJP-BJD Clash Intensifies in Odisha

By Sunil Jena
Editor-in-Chief, The Politics Odia

Bhubaneswar : BJD president and Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik’s demand for the release of Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Saurabh Das and Ashutosh Ranka has triggered a fresh political confrontation in Odisha, with the BJP, BJD and Congress trading sharp remarks over youth activism, constitutional rights and the handling of protests.

In a post on X, Patnaik called for an urgent review of the detention of the two leaders and demanded their release. He argued that keeping them in custody for an extended period over the hoisting of the national flag in a restricted area should be reconsidered. He also stressed that the judiciary and administration should act to ensure that young people do not lose faith in the country’s legal system and constitutional rights.

Patnaik’s intervention quickly drew a response from the BJP, turning the issue into a political confrontation between the ruling party and the opposition.

Jai Hind The judicial custody of #AshutoshRanka and #SauravDas must be urgently reviewed and they must be released immediately. Hoisting the National Flag, even in a prohibited area, should not warrant such prolonged detention. The judiciary and the executive must rise to the occasion to ensure that the youth of this country do not lose faith in the rule of law and constitutional rights.— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) October 20, 2026

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BJP state president Manmohan Samal criticised the BJD chief’s position, alleging that the party’s leadership had misjudged the issue. The state BJP also questioned Patnaik’s support for the CJP leaders, arguing that the people of Odisha would not accept support for what it described as anti-national forces.

The BJD defended Patnaik’s stand. Senior party leader Devi Prasad Mishra argued that the BJP’s response reflected discomfort over the political views of younger people. He maintained that concerns raised by young people should be addressed through debate rather than dismissed through political statements.

Congress also criticised the BJP’s position. Former Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Jayadev Jena alleged that the government was attempting to suppress Gen Z voices. He argued that young people had a right to defend constitutional values and claimed that the CJP issue had become part of a wider political challenge to the BJP.

The controversy has attracted attention beyond Odisha, with opposition leaders including Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav cited in the political debate over support for the CJP and the handling of protests.

The immediate issue of detention has since changed. According to reports, Saurabh Das and Ashutosh Ranka were released from judicial custody on October 21 after furnishing written undertakings not to call protests at Jantar Mantar until the site is legally denotified. Their release followed a period of custody linked to the protest and alleged breaches of peace-bond conditions.

Despite their release, the political dispute continues. The BJP has emphasised compliance with restrictions at designated protest sites, while the BJD and Congress have raised concerns over constitutional rights, freedom of dissent and the treatment of young protesters.

The case has therefore become more than a dispute over two individuals. It has developed into a broader political argument about how authorities should balance public order with the right to protest. The legal grounds for detention, the restrictions imposed and the circumstances surrounding the protest remain central to assessing the competing claims.

Sunil Jena’s Observation

Naveen Patnaik’s intervention has brought the CJP case into the centre of Odisha’s political debate. Although the release of the two leaders has addressed the immediate demand for their freedom, questions surrounding protest restrictions, due process and the rights of young demonstrators remain relevant. These issues should be assessed on the basis of documented facts and legal proceedings rather than political rhetoric.

Author Profile

Sunil Jena: Sunil Jena is the Editor of The Politics Odia, an independent digital platform that delivers fearless political analysis, ground reports, and investigative stories from Odisha. Known for bold storytelling and grassroots connections, Sunil is shaping a new era of regional journalism.