Upset Over Unfulfilled Promises, Odisha Villagers Invite MLA To Inaugurate Fake Telecom Tower

Angry over unfulfilled promises to set up a mobile phone tower in the area, residents in Bandhapari Panchayat of Kalahandi district vented their frustration in a unique way by inviting the MLA to inaugurate a symbolic mobile tower made of bamboo on Tuesday.

According to reports, the residents of Bandhapari Panchayat had requested Lanjigarh MLA Pradeep Kumar Dishari to take measures for setting up a BSNL tower in the area, as lack of mobile connectivity causing hardship to the residents and students to avail essential services including the ambulance. 

However, their demand was not materialised even after repeated appeals.

As chance would have it, MLA Dishari visited the panchayat yesterday. After learning about his visit, the locals constructed a symbolic bamboo mobile tower and made an inauguration banner for the same bearing Dishari’s name on it.

“Earlier, appeals were made to the MLA for setting up a mobile tower in the area. But it was not fulfilled yet. Yesterday when we got to know that he is visiting our panchayat, we made a tower out of bamboo and invited him to inaugurate the same. We will not let any MLA or minister to come our village till a real mobile tower is installed and hurl eggs if they visit.” said an angry resident.

Blaming the opposition for the act, Dishari added, “Setting up a tower requires clearance from the Centre. I have informed the Collector about the matter. My part of the job is done and we are waiting for the permission from the top.”