Archive · 21 Aug 2026
BJD Demands High-Level Inquiry Into Bhubaneswar Taxi Drivers’ Clash
Taxi and auto drivers in Bhubaneswar were protesting about their work conditions.
They wanted higher fares, lower fees paid to apps, and social security.
The protest had continued for several days from August 17.
On Wednesday, some protesters and police clashed at Master Canteen Square.
Stones were thrown, and buses and police vehicles were reportedly damaged.
The BJD said violence was wrong and those responsible should face legal action.
At the same time, it accused the government and police of not preparing properly for the protest.
The BJD wants a senior investigation into what happened.
The Biju Janata Dal condemned the violent clash between online taxi drivers and Commissionerate Police personnel in Bhubaneswar.
The party denounced stone-pelting, vandalism of Ama buses and police vehicles, and attacks on police personnel.
Drivers of Ola, Uber and Rapido were protesting for fare revisions, lower app commissions and social security.
BJD alleged the Odisha government failed to engage with drivers during their agitation, which began on August 17.
The party demanded a high-level inquiry into the Intelligence Department and police administration’s handling of the incident.
- Who
- The Biju Janata Dal, online taxi and auto drivers, and Commissionerate Police personnel were involved in the reported dispute.
- What
- A drivers’ agitation in Bhubaneswar escalated into a clash involving stone-pelting, alleged vandalism and attacks on police personnel.
- When
- The clash occurred on Wednesday; BJD representatives discussed it on Thursday. The agitation had reportedly begun on August 17.
- Where
- The incident took place at Master Canteen Square in Bhubaneswar, with major roads also blocked.
- Why
- Drivers were seeking fare revisions, reduced app commissions and social security; BJD also alleged failures by the government, Intelligence Department and police administration.
- Political party
- Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Odisha’s Opposition party
- Incident location
- Master Canteen Square, Bhubaneswar
- Protest participants
- Drivers associated with Ola, Uber and Rapido
- Drivers’ demands
- Fare revision, reduced app commissions and social security
- Reported disruption
- About 400 to 500 autos were simultaneously parked on major roads, according to BJD
- BJD demand
- A high-level inquiry into the Intelligence Department and police administration
- Police-related allegations
- Stone-pelting, attacks on personnel, and damage to police vehicles were reported