BAMCEF national conference in Cuttack faces setback after withdrawal of permission

Bhubaneswar: In a surprising turn of events, the 42nd national conference of the Backward and Minority Communities Employees Federation (BAMCEF), scheduled to be held in Cuttack from Dec 26 to 30, 2025, has hit a roadblock. The deputy commissioner of Cuttack withdrew the previously granted permission for the event, citing reasons deemed inappropriate by the organisers.

The conference, which was set to host over 100,000 representatives from across India, already saw significant preparations, with around Rs 2 crore spent on the arrangements at the Baliyatra ground.


In response, the Odisha Social Justice United Forum held a press conference on Tuesday at Lohia Academy, condemning the decision. The forum, supported by senior BJD MLA Ranendra Pratap Swain, has called for the immediate reinstatement of the permission. A delegation from the forum also met with leader of opposition and former chief minister Naveen Patnaik, urging him to intervene.

Patnaik assured the delegation that he would discuss the matter with the state's top administration and the DGP. The organisation also reached out to the DGP via email, requesting a reconsideration of the decision.

The withdrawal has been labelled a “well-planned conspiracy” by the organisers, who accuse the BJP govt of attempting to suppress the voices of SC, ST, OBC, and minority communities. They have warned that the state govt will be held accountable for any adverse outcomes resulting from this decision.