Lilabati Mishra, the grand daughter-in-law of Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das lashed out at the Odisha government on Thursday after allegedly being snubbed during the inauguration ceremony of Gopabandhu Das memorial museum at Suando village in Puri.
As per reports, Lilabati Mishra and her family reached Suando in Sakhigopal after learning about the inauguration by the government. However, they were allegedly barred from entering even after revealing their identity to the officials.
“Learnt about Gopabandu Das memorial museum unveiling from media & went there with hope. However, police stopped me & did not let me in even after I revealed my identity," said Mishra.
“After the snub, I felt, neither the govt is Odia, nor does it recognize Odias,” she rued.
Sources said, even the newly renovated ‘Sathighar’ was locked following the event when visitors tried to get a glimpse of Gopabandhu Das’ birthplace.
The birthplace of Gopabandhu has been transformed into a memorial museum at an investment of Rs 25 crore. The fund has been provided by Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC).
CM Naveen Patnaik inaugurated Gopabandhu Museum and unveiled a 15-ft high bronze statue of Gopabandhu Das installed on a 10-ft high pedestal at Suando village today.
No comments have been received from the police or the administration in this connection.
(Reported By Madhusudan Mishra, Atulya Bout, OTV)