Bhubaneswar: Hours after the tragic mishap at Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in which one person was killed and several others sustained injuries, the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Saturday asserted that the party doesn’t believe in politicizing human tragedies and accidents like the BJP.
Terming the incident as ‘unfortunate,’ BJD spokesperson Sasmit Patra today said, “It is an unfortunate incident which could have been avoided. Our condolences are with the family of the deceased. Adequate compensation should be provided to them and the injured should be given treatment free of cost.”
Patra further said that unlike the BJP which has the habit of politicizing human tragedies and accidents, we (BJD) do not believe in politicizing such incidents.
“We demand a thorough investigation and strict and exemplary action against those responsible for the incident,” he added.
BJP Spokesperson Golak Mohapatra termed the incident as extremely unfortunate and demanded Odisha government to order a probe into the mishap.
Responding to Sasmit Patra's statements, the BJP Spokesperson countered, “What prompted the BJD to come up with such statements and take BJP’s name. I want to ask BJD's Sasmit Patra that where was Special Relief Commissioner when Bomikhal Flyover in Bhubaneswar had collapsed."
Mohapatra further stated that the then works secretary was given ticket by ruling BJD to contest polls while BJP is always concerned for the safety of people.
“BJD spokesperson Sasmit Patra should first clarify whether he made such comments to shield construction firm chief Dillip Khatei, who has links with several influential officers and BJD leaders,” said Mohapatra adding that there should be a detailed probe into the mishap.
Congress, on the other hand, demanded a CBI probe into the mishap at Biju Patnaik International Airport. Party senior MLA Sura Routray alleged that the Central government is to be blamed for the building collapse.
“Such a mishap occurred due to callousness on part of the construction agency, and the contractor should be arrested. The Centre is responsible for the incident. A compensation of Rs 20 lakh and a job should be provided to one member of the family of the deceased. Had the incident occurred during day time, the number of casualties would have multiplied,” said Routray.
It is pertinent to mention that roof of an under-construction building to link the terminal 1 of Biju Patnaik International Airport with terminal 2 collapsed late on Friday night. One Antaryami Guru, an electrician-cum-helper engaged in the construction work at the airport lost his life after getting crushed under the debris of the collapsed roof.