Politics has now heated up over a hoarding put up by the BJD at Mahakalpada in Kendrapara district with the BJP vehemently opposing the move. The reason behind BJP’s protest over the hoarding regarding the proposed mega steel project is the fact that it carries the photograph of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and 5T secretary VK Pandian.
The BJP alleged that local elected representatives have been ignored and sidelined, and undue importance is being given to 5T secretary. Besides, the BJD is giving false assurances to the Kendrapara residents, the saffron party leaders alleged.
In view of the BJP’s protest, the BJD activists on Tuesday assembled at the spot to protect the hoarding.
“The decision of the steel plant at Mahakalpada is a fake promise which usually flows during elections. Be it MLAs or CM, they only make false promises,” alleged Kendrapara district BJP president, Kishore Panda.
State BJP spokesperson Tejeswar Parida said, “Attempts have been made by the BJD to show dream to the people of Kendrapara. Who took the decision of mega steel plant in Kendrapara? It was during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s term, the then Union Steel Minister Dharmendra Pradhan held talks with Nippon Steel for the project. The credit goes to PM Modi.”
“Later, BJD leaders went to Seoul and took some pictures there. Unfortunately, till date it is not known when the project will start or how many locals of Mahakalpada will get employment or how status of land acquisition for the project,” Parida asked.
The BJP state spokesperson said, “Several hoardings are now being put up in two blocks of Mahakalpada constituency. Surprisingly, the picture of local MLA was initially present in the hoarding, it was removed and the picture of the 5T secretary was added.”
Responding to the same, BJD activist Sarojkant Nayak said, “We have put up the hoarding at our own expenses. We heard that some miscreants are coming to throw ink on the hoarding. We are present at the spot and dare them to do this in front of us.”