Athagarh MLA faces protest during Padyatra

Athagarh: Local MLA Ranendra Pratap Swain faced protest from a group of locals at Sasanka village under Chhuagaan panchayat in his own constituency during BJD’s ongoing Jan Sampark Padayatra today.

The villagers prevented the MLA from entering their area following which the supporters of Swain clashed with them. A woman was injured in the fight. Police forces have been deployed in the village to control the mob.

The protesters alleged irregularities in distribution of PDS commodities and rejection of gram sabha after declaration. The residents also said that the village puja committee had completed the construction of goddess Jagulai temple, but the bill is yet to be cleared.

If the demands are not met at the earliest, the MLA would be shown black flag. Eggs and tomatoes will also be hurled at him in future, a banner put at the protesting site read.