Cuttack: Ahead of Cuttack’s historic Bali Jatra, the inclusion of arrested BJD MLA Prabhat Biswal as a guest in the invitation card printed by the district administration has now created quite a flutter.
Biswal, who was arrested by CBI in connection with Seashore chit fund scam, is now undergoing treatment at SCB Medical College and Hospital.
Biswal’s inclusion in the list of invitees in the invitation cards has sparked off a controversy ahead of the week-long Bali Jatra festival starting tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Cuttack Sadar Tehsildar Sanjeebata Ray passed on the buck and said that the culture department usually prints the invitation cards and decides on other arrangements.
As per existing norms, all the sitting MLAs, MPs and other dignitaries are usually invited as guests for the inaugural ceremony for the historic fair showcasing the rich maritime history of the State, Ray added.
District administration officials informed that there have been instances in the past when in absence of invited leaders or dignitaries, their representatives have attended the inaugural ceremony.