In a unique and emotionally charged protest seeking justice over pension-related grievances, a man carried his 89-year-old mother on his shoulders to the Panchayat office in Odisha’s Bhadrak district on Tuesday. The incident, reported from Ramachandrapur Panchayat under Bant block, has drawn widespread public attention and sparked discussions over alleged administrative negligence.

According to reports, the family had been staging a protest outside the Panchayat office for the last three days, demanding proper pension benefits for the elderly woman. However, after allegedly receiving no response from the authorities, Banamali Majhi adopted an unusual form of protest to highlight their plight.

In a symbolic gesture, Banamali seated his aged mother, Chandramani Majhi, in a traditional carrying pole (bhar) and carried her on his shoulders to the protest site. Adding to the emotional visuals, water pots and cooking utensils were also tied to the pole, indicating that the family was prepared for a prolonged agitation until their demands were addressed.

The incident soon attracted the attention of locals and passersby, with many expressing concern over the hardships faced by the elderly woman and her family. The dramatic protest also prompted intervention from local representatives.

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Later, a representative of the area MLA reached the spot and held discussions with the protesting family. Following the assurance of talks and a possible resolution, the agitation was temporarily suspended. However, the family warned that if their grievances are not resolved soon, they would intensify the protest and stage a mass demonstration in front of the District Collector’s office.

Meanwhile, Bant Block Development Officer (BDO) Sitakant Rout clarified that Chandramani Majhi is already receiving pension benefits. He stated that the family had not submitted any application seeking enhancement of the pension amount.