BJD councillors ‘skip’ party’s demonstration over alleged corruption in Jagannath Sagar project in Jeypore

Once again the fissures within the BJD are out in the open. This time, the infighting between BJD groups has been reported from Jeypore in Koraput where several councillors of the party were not seen during a demonstration launched to protest alleged irregularities in the execution of the renovation of Jagannath Sagar pond by the municipality.

Alleging corruption in the project, the Jeypore municipality was gheraoed by BJD led by leader Rabi Narayan Nanda on Monday. However, 15 councillors and vice-chairman B Sunita did not participate in the demonstration.

Of the total 28 councillors of Jeypore municipality, the BJD has 15 councillors and 13 are from the Congress. Narendra Mohanty of Congress is the chairperson of Jeypore Municipality.

When contacted over the absence of BJD councillors during the protest, a senior BJD leader said that all the party councillors and others will be included in the coming days.

BJD leader Rabi Narayan Nanda alleged that a defective DPR was prepared and the project was executed in a hurried manner without making necessary provision for funds.

"Some councillors had come and some are outside the town. As the agitation was held at the last time, we have the support of people and everybody. Rs 5.60 crore was spent on the project and it has now turned into a playground. The project under Mo Pokhari was taken up by violating all norms,” said Nanda.

Meanwhile, the officials of Jeypore municipality could not be contacted over BJD’s allegation.