BJP takes swipe at BJD over eviction drive in Burla 

The state unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) over the eviction drive carried out in Burla, Sambalpur. 

Leader of Opposition (LoP), Jayanarayan Mishra accused the State government of intentionally pulling down the houses of some particular people while leaving those of Bangladeshis and Rohingyas untouched only to capture the votes of minorities. 

“When the festive season has already set in, in Burla, houses and shops are being razed intentionally. This has rendered many jobless. Steps should also be taken to rehabilitate them,” said Mishra. 

Responding to the allegations levelled by LoP Mishra, BJD leader, and Rairakhol MLA Rohit Pujari said, “What he (LoP) said is his own perception. There were BJP, Congress, and BJD leaders on the action committee. We don’t want to politicise it. What we want is to solve people’s problems.”

Earlier in the day, the Rairakhol MLA visited the area where the eviction drive was underway and held a discussion with the action committee. 

Protesting against the drive, ‘Burla Nagarika Committee’ in a press meet warned that they would boycott elections if permanent land documents are not provided to displaced people in Burla and the ongoing eviction drive is not stopped.