BJP alleges massive irregularities in construction of statues in Jajpur

On the pretext of development of tourism and beautification measures at various places in Jajpur district, crores of rupees have been spent by the State exchequer during the tenure of the previous government. A huge amount of funds from the MP LAD and the Special Relief Fund of the Chief Minister were allocated to the district. However, it has been alleged from various quarters that huge sums have been misutilised as many half-built statues are gathering dust.

Take the case of a huge brass statue of Goddess Biraja lying in the dirt in front of the Mission Shakti Cafe. It was earlier planned that the statue would be set up on the south side of Biraja temple. However, it is yet to be fixed in its proper place.

“There was a resolution on which place the statue would be placed. However, unfortunately, it is lying in the dirt in a neglected manner. We have apprised the Collector,” said Devi Prasad Pani, a priest of Biraja temple.

A copper statue of King Jajati Keshari was built at the Sadhei Pokhari near NC College by the Tourism Department with an expenditure of Rs 1. 86 crore to make the next generation aware of the history of Jajpur and how the king had performed the famous ‘Dashashwamedh Yajna’. Though an additional expenditure of Rs 5 crore was made later, the project is still incomplete.

“King Jajati Keshari’s statue is yet to be installed though crores of rupees have been spent,” rued Bibhuti Mohapatra, a resident of Jajpur.

Moreover, a 183 ft statue of the Lord Shiva on the banks of the Baitarani River is yet to be completed after three and a half years. Half-built statutes of King Jajati Keshari and others are lying neglected. The face of Biju Babu’s statue in Ankula area has been blindfolded with a piece of cloth. Nobody, even the public representatives in the area have any kind of idea about the inauguration of the statue.

“Neither people nor the public representatives have any information about the statue of Biju Babu. Even the higher authorities are in oblivion about the source of the funds and the inauguration date,” said Kulamani Parida, Sarpanch of Panasa Panchayat.

In response, Dharmasala MLA Himanshu Sahoo targeted BJD organisational Secretary and former MLA Pranab Prakash Das alleging massive misappropriation of the District Mineral Fund.

“I don’t understand why crores of rupees have been spent by the DMF to build statues. BJD government has misused the funds and former MLA of Jajpur is involved in it,” said Sahu.

While no reaction could be obtained from Das in this regard, Jajpur Collector refused to make any comments.