Dhenkanal: Tension ran high following a face-off like situation between Dhenkanal MP Mahesh Sahoo and Pallahara MLA Mukesh Pal over the inauguration of a Covid Care Centre (CCC) in the area on Saturday.
Apart from leaders of the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD), supporters of the MP and local MLA were also locked in a verbal dual and raised slogans against each other. Trouble erupted after MP Mahesh Sahoo allegedly made some ‘objectionable remarks’ against the local MLA Mukesh Pal after the latter inaugurated the Covid Care Centre in the absence of the former.
As per reports, the district administration had informally invited the Dhenkanal MP and the Pallahara MLA for the inauguration of the Covid Care Centre at Pallahara Adarsh Vidyalaya today.
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Though the inauguration programme was scheduled to be held at 10:30 am today, BJD MP Mahesh Sahoo reportedly arrived at the venue almost 20 minutes late. It is alleged that Sahoo lost his temper when he found that the Pallahara MLA Mukesh Pal had already inaugurated the Covid Care Centre in his absence.
Irked over this, the MP allegedly made some objectionable comments against the MLA which was protested by the latter’s supporters. “We had inaugurated the Covid Care Centre as per schedule. The MP reached the venue late at 11 am and made derogatory remarks against me and Pallahara residents. I condemn such act of the MP,” said Pallahara MLA Mukesh Pal.
In his response, Dhenkanal MP Mahesh Sahoo said, “The Sub –Collector had asked me to reach the venue at 11 am for the inauguration programme. When I reached, I found that the MLA had already inaugurated the Centre. I only asked the MLA why such politics is being played during Covid times. I had made remarks against opposition parties and not any individual,” Sahoo said clarifying his stand.