Rourkela: The Congress in Odisha has demanded the resignation of Union Tribal Affairs Minister and senior BJP leader Jual Oram, calling for an impartial investigation into the Rourkela Circuit House firearm seizure case and the alleged links of arrested accused with the controversy.

The district Youth Congress, NSUI and Mahila Congress staged a protest at Ambedkar Chowk in Uditnagar on Sunday, demanding a neutral probe and alleging that Oram should step down over his reported remarks to the media. Congress leaders warned that the agitation would be intensified if the Union Minister does not resign.

The latest political tensions come against the backdrop of a controversy involving Rourkela BJP functionary Prakash Paswan, whose arrest was linked to the seizure of a firearm at the Rourkela Circuit House.

The BJP suspended Paswan on August 20, citing alleged indiscipline, misconduct and violation of party norms.

Paswan subsequently approached the Orissa High Court seeking anticipatory bail after reportedly evading the authorities. He was later arrested by police in Samastipur, Bihar.

Reacting strongly to the developments, Oram alleged that a malicious political conspiracy and smear campaign was being carried out to tarnish his image and potentially remove him from the Union Cabinet.

Oram had reportedly told reporters on Friday, "I will eliminate and smash whoever is trying to malign my reputation in the party and secure a ministerial position at the Centre."

Congress leaders have criticised the remarks and demanded that the allegations surrounding the firearm seizure and Oram's alleged connections with the arrested individuals be investigated independently.

Former district Congress president Gyanendra Das also attacked Oram, accusing him of failing to do enough for tribal communities in Sundargarh despite describing himself as a strong tribal leader.

"Let him show his strength by contesting an election. The people of Sundargarh will give him a befitting reply," Das said.

The Congress further alleged that the district Biju Janata Dal has remained silent over the controversy, while a section within the BJP is working to remove Oram.

The party warned that if Oram does not resign, it will intensify its protests in the coming days.

The allegations and counter-allegations have added to the political tension in Rourkela, with the firearm seizure case now becoming a major point of confrontation between rival political groups.