No-confidence motion vote in Jharsuguda's Kirmira Block fizzles out over absence of members

A scheduled no-confidence motion against the chairperson encountered an unexpected halt as no members turned up for the proceedings in Kirmira block of Jharsuguda district, on Friday.

The absence of both Samiti members and sarpanchs resulted in the cancellation of the vote. The election officer, who had been present from 10.00 AM to 11.00 AM, was forced to vacate the venue due to the lack of attendance.

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Despite the block administration’s meticulous arrangements, including the deployment of three police platoons, the voting could not proceed. The situation prompted former Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Dipali Das from Jharsuguda to submit a memorandum to the Additional District Magistrate (ADM).

The former MLA complained with the ADM, raising concerns over allegedly detained Samiti members and urging their presence to facilitate the vote. In the petition, she stated, “It is imperative that all members are available to perform their duties effectively.”

When contacted, Jharsuguda Sub-Collector Sabyasachi Panda said, “The proceedings for no-confidence motion against Kirmira block chairperson was fixed for today in the morning at around 10.30 AM. Project Administrator, Integrated Tribal Development Agency (PA, ITDA) Sanjeev Kumar Patel was sent as the returning officer.”

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“After returning from Kirmira block, he submitted a resolution to me today, in which he has mentioned that none of the members turned up for voting,” the Sub-Collector stated.

Worth mentioning, on November 16 last year, Dhenkanal Sadar block chairperson Rajashree Nayak lost a no-confidence motion brought against her, the returning officer said.

The sarpanchs and Samiti members of 30 panchayats participated in the vote.