TV
The political climate in Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s home district, Ganjam heated up ahead of 5T secretary VK Pandian’s 'grievance redressal' visit to the district tomorrow.
In a bid to oppose Pandian, the streets and walls of Kanishi block in Ganjam, where he is scheduled to address a public gathering, are filled with derogatory statements and slogans.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) too targeted the Biju Janata Dal (BJD)-led Odisha government over several issues including labour migration, dwindling health care, and diminishing industries in the district.
The BJP also criticized Pandian’s chopper rides that have reportedly cost the State exchequer over Rs 300 crore, notwithstanding the fact that the 5T secretary is still hopping blocks in the state-sponsored chopper.
“The BJP will continue to raise its voice against the chopper rides and public meetings of the 5T secretary violating the All India Services Conduct Rule. Pandian is even using a chopper to travel 2 km distance,” alleged BJP's Ganjam district president, Vibhuti Jena.
Meanwhile, expelled BJD leader and Gopalpur MLA, Pradip Panigrahy too targeted the Odisha government asking what is bigger in Odisha- democracy or bureaucracy.
He alleged that there is a lot of corruption in the government. He further alleged that the Ganjam collector and SP are creating hindrances in the development of the district.
“To travel 30 districts in two months ahead of the elections in the name of collecting public grievances and inauguration of welfare projects by a private secretary is not a good sign for democracy. It is particularly dangerous when the ministers sit in their homes feeling powerless,” said Panigrahy.
The Congress was of the same opinion too.
Congress MLA, Santosh Singh Saluja said, “There is bureaucratic rule in Odisha. So much so that the ministers are considered below the secretaries in terms of power. This is shameful as well as unfortunate.”
Meanwhile, the BJD termed all these allegations by the Opposition as jealousy. “The Opposition is becoming intolerant. What the 5T secretary is doing, reflects on the people immediately. The grievances are addressed on a real-time basis,” said BJD leader Bhupindar Singh.
