Bolangir: Political slugfest ensued ahead of the inauguration event of Bolangir Medical College & Hospital after the name of Union Health Minister JP Nadda was found missing from the invitation letter for the function.
While Odisha BJP slammed the Naveen Patniak government, ruling-BJD's Bolangir MP Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo tried to cover-up the matter.
"The name of Odisha Chief Minister is there in the invitation letter but there's no mention of the Union Minister. It's not acceptable in a democratic set up. We strongly condemn the act," said State BJP vice-president, Samir Mohanty.
However, BJD's Bolangir MP said that he has nothing to do with the invitation.
"I have nothing to do with the invitations. I heard from the Chief Minister's Office that Nadda would be part of the inaugural function. He (Nadda) is one of my friends," said Kalikesh.
Leader of Opposition & Congress' Bolangir MLA, Narasingha Mishra said that the matter shouldn't be politicised for mere political gains.
"Politics on issues concerning public interests should be avoided. The credit of Bolangir medical college goes to the people of the district only," Mishra added.
Meanwhile, admission in the medical college for the current academic session has concluded.
"It was indeed a challenging job. 100 students have already taken admission and the classes will commence after the inauguration," said Lalit Kumar Meher, Dean of the medical college.
On the other hand, inauguration of the Balasore Medical College and Hospital has been scheduled for September 3.
While the Union Minister has expressed his desire to take part in the inaugural function of the medical college during his Balasore visit, it remains to be seen whether he will be invited or not.