BJD Alleges Use of Children at BJP Rally, Petitions Child Rights Panel

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has approached the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) with allegations that children were used in a political rally organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on July 12, 2026. The complaint was submitted on Monday, the day after the rally, which marked the induction of former MLA Pravat Ranjan Biswal into the BJP.

In its complaint, the BJD stated that during the rally in Bhubaneswar, 'several minor children were reportedly seen wearing BJP caps and carrying party flags, placards, and banners.' The party argued that this raises 'serious concerns regarding their rights, welfare, and protection' and that children should not be involved in political activities in a manner that exposes them to political influence or public mobilisation.

The BJD has urged the commission to initiate an inquiry and issue notices to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, BJP state president Manmohan Samal, and Mr. Biswal. The complaint seeks action in accordance with the law.

The development comes amid a period of political realignment in Odisha. Since its defeat in the 2024 Assembly elections, the BJD has lost nine seats in the Odisha Assembly. The party lost the Nuapada seat in a by-election, suspended two MLAs for anti-party activities, and six MLAs were accused of cross-voting during the Rajya Sabha election. That cross-voting contributed to the victory of independent candidate Dilip Ray.

Mr. Biswal, who had represented the Cuttack-Choudwar Assembly seat as a BJD candidate, recently joined the BJP. His son Souvic Biswal, who won the same seat on a BJD ticket, was among those who allegedly voted against the party whip during the Rajya Sabha election.

The OSCPCR is a quasi-judicial body empowered to investigate complaints related to child rights violations. As of now, no public response has been issued by the commission or the named respondents.