BJP stages protest opposing 5T secretary VK Pandian’s Talcher visit

Odisha 5T secretary VK Pandian continues to face the wrath of the Opposition for his ‘political’ visits across the State. In a stiff opposition, the BJP staged a 'black cloth' protest opposing Pandian’s scheduled visit to Talcher on Monday.

The BJP leaders and workers, led by the saffron party's State secretary Kalandi Samal, wearing black clothes, staged a sit-in in front of the sub-collector’s office opposing Pandian’s visit to the district.

The BJP has up the ante since a purported audio related to the 5T Secretary's Talcher visit went viral on social media. In the purported audio, Talcher MLA Brajakishore Pradhan was heard saying, 'the more people come, the better it will be for Talcher's development; a grander welcome will mean more funds.'

After the purported audio went viral, the BJP launched a scathing on MLA Pradhan and demanded his apology.

“It is very unfortunate that the MLA is directing the SHG members, who are not the party workers, to attend the meeting. Special arrangements have been made for the programme; besides, vehicles have been engaged to pick people,” Kalandi Samal said.

“The money, which is being spent on the meeting, is from the State’s treasury or it is black money... The residents of Talcher want to know,” Kalandi added.

No comment of the ruling BJD could be obtained over the development or on the allegations of the BJP.