BJD unlawfully converted Sankha Bhawan as Hotel after stoppage of corporate donation: BJP

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday accused the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) of misusing government land allotted to their party office, known as 'Sankha Bhawan', by unlawfully converting it into a restaurant.

BJP leader Jagannath Pradhan claimed that this transformation could be a measure to arrange money as already the corporate donations to BJD have stopped; as a result, the BJD has been compelled to operate 'Sankha Bhawan' as a hotel.

Pradhan stated that the BJD acquired the government land, which was earmarked for a party office in 2021, and has since changed its use contrary to the stipulated purpose. He questioned whether the shortfall of corporate funds prompted this shift and demanded transparency regarding who within the BJD is managing the hotel operations and the intention behind this move.

Also Read: BJD headquarters ‘Sankha Bhawan’ under scanner, illegal construction alleged

The BJP leader has urged the state government to take back the land, as the land's use is allegedly not compliant with the original terms of approval, which specified it solely for office use.

Responding to the BJP leader’s allegations, BJD MLA Arun Sahoo stated that regular meetings are still conducted at Sankha Bhawan, involving party workers, leaders, and the public.

“It seems that BJP has no work to do. They have come to power and they should focus on administration and not on what BJD is doing. When Sankha Bhawan was established, it was said that it was an office of people. Regular meetings of BJD are being held here. Along with leaders, several people are coming to the canteen on the premises and it does not constitute any wrongdoing,” said Sahoo.