Are Odisha Ministers Getting Sidelined In 5T governance push?

Bhubaneswar: While Health minister Naba Das was absent during marathon visits of Transformation and Initiatives (5T) team to different hospitals, his sudden visit to Bhadrak District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) today, raised questions about the role of ministers in the implementation of the 5T model of governance with the Opposition parties criticising the initiative.

“As per chief minister’s order, Secretary and ministers have to visit the hospitals and ensure proper healthcare for everybody,” said Das during his visit.

Taking a dig at Das, Congress leader Sura Routray alleged that in fear of being sidelined, the Minister was forced to visit the hospital.

“After realising that by sending secretaries to hospitals alone, he (chief minister) and the ministers are losing their importance, the minister was directed to visit the hospital,” Routray said.

BJP vice-president Samir Mohanty also criticised the Odisha government after Health Minister’s visit to the hospital.

“When 5T Secretary suddenly appeared at hospitals, he faced criticism which is why he urged the minister to come along with him,” said Mohanty.

Earlier on Thursday, taking a jibe at the Odisha government, the Opposition cornered the ruling-party asking why 5T was introduced after 20 years of BJD rule and not before.

While senior BJP leader and Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi termed 5T model as an old wine in a new bottle, Routray had mocked it asking it was ‘5T or Tea.’