Bishnu Das’ speech at Jagatsinghpur mahotsav sparks row

Jagatsinghpur: The newly-elected deputy chairman of the Odisha State Planning Board, Bishnu Das’ speech at the Jagatsinghpur Zilla Mahotsav ‘Kallolla’ has sparked a controversy.

Alleging that Das made a political speech at a cultural platform, the Congress took to streets on Tuesday. Congress party members staged demonstration in front of the Collectors office and burnt the effigy of the former parliamentarian in protest.

Notably, during his speech, Das went on to predict that his party, BJD will win four Assembly seats and one Lok Sabha seat in the district in the 2019 general elections.

Meanwhile, Jagatsinghpur municipality vice chairperson, Biplab Choudhary has written a letter to the Collector demanding probe.

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“While it was a cultural programme, how a political leader was allowed to lead the festival. Moreover, the claim that his party will win so many seats in the upcoming elections is something which has hurt the people of the district,” said Choudhary.

Besides, allegations were also made that conch blowers who were roped in for the cultural rally of the event were wearing outfits with BJD’s party symbol.

On the other hand, Das has refuted the allegations.

“I never mentioned about BJD. I don’t know why the allegations have been brought against me,” said Das.