Dharmasala block chairman resigns ahead of ‘no-confidence’ vote

In a surprising development, Dharmasala Block Chairman Pravat Balabantaray resigned on Wednesday from his post, just days before a scheduled ‘no-confidence’ vote. Citing personal reasons, his resignation letter was submitted to the local BDO and Jajpur District Collector.

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According to sources, Pravat Balabantaray, the chairman of Dharmasala Block, tendered his resignation ahead of the no-confidence motion scheduled for voting on August 22. In his resignation, Balabantaray cited “personal reasons” for stepping down from the post.

Balabantaray officially submitted his resignation letter to the Dharmasala Block Development Officer (BDO) and also forwarded it to the District Collector of Jajpur. His resignation comes in the wake of political unrest within the block.

On August 11 this year, a total of 38 out of 45 PRI (Panchayati Raj Institution) members had submitted a no-confidence motion against him, indicating a majority push for his ouster. This motion had led to the scheduling of no-confidence vote later in the month.

Pravat Balabantaray is the younger brother of former BJD legislator Pranab Balabantaray. In a statement following his resignation, he alleged that a "rule of hooliganism" is prevailing in Dharmasala, and PRI members are being subjected to intimidation.

“I have resigned today from the post of Dharmasala Panchayat Samiti Chairman. After the change of (the BJD-led) government, what to speak of development in the region, even PRIs in Dharmasala Block are not safe in the changing scenario,” Pravat Balabantaray said.

In contrast, Dharmasala BJP MLA Himansu Sekhar Sahoo dismissed the claims, stating that Balabantaray resigned fearing a likely defeat in the upcoming vote. “He chose to flee the battlefield instead of facing democratic accountability,” remarked MLA Sahoo.

“After the no-confidence motion was moved, around seven to eight days have lapsed. The vote was slated for August 22. As he (Pravat) did not find any PRI member to support him, and when none of them reposed faith in him, he realised that he had lost the ground and realised his address (position),” the BJP MLA stated.

Resignation of Pravat Balabantaray has stirred political dynamics in Dharmasala, revealing the differences within grassroots-level leadership and triggering a debate over coercion, power struggles, and the democratic process at the block level.