BJP workers create ruckus over absence of MLA photo in hoardings

Rourkela: Tension prevailed in Rourkela town after the hoardings put up by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on the eve of Rath Yatra did not carry the photo of local MLA Dilip Ray.

Supporters of the MLA expressed disappointment over this move of BJP and said absence of Ray from any party campaigns would send wrong message to the people. In some places, the supporters even vandalised the hoardings.

"Why the photo of the local MLA is not in the hoardings wishing people on Rath Yatra? In protest, we have torn down the hoardings," said BJP Mandal president Asesh Mohanty.

"It's a conspiracy against our MLA. The move of BJP has saddened us following which we, all the BJP Rourkela workers, decided to take the step," said a local party activist Samarpriya Tanti.

Indicating rift among the party, the MLA of the steel city recently alleged Central apathy towards the town and accused the party of dilly-dallying construction of a second bridge over Brahmani river and upgradation of IGH, Rourkela.

Ray also attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said the PM had promised construction of the second bridge and upgradation of IGH to a super-speciality hospital prior to the general elections, but the projects were yet to see light of the day even after three years of the BJP government.

Also Read: BJP MLA Dilip Ray Alleges Central Apathy Towards Rourkela

Meanwhile, no BJP leader has so far commented on the incident.