Extravagant anniversary celebration of Jajpur Municipality sparks row

Jajpur: Lavish celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of Jajpur Municipality have not only drawn attention but also Opposition parties' ire. Political parties have come down hard on the ruling-BJD for trying to take political mileage through such extravagant events.

From Bollywood singers like Armaan Mallick, Mika and even Shaan to noted actors and stage comedians like Sudesh and Krishna, the residents of Jajpur town have been witnessing euphoric celebrations to mark the 150th year of the municipality. Thousands of people are seen congregating to witness the mega celebrations.

Amid such extravagance, Opposition political parties have questioned the State government's motive in organising such mega events.

Congress leader Niranjan Patnaik said that the celebration is aimed at strengthening the grassroots and promote local ruling party leaders with help of government money.

"Such celebrations will not benefit the local people of the district in anyway," Patnaik said.

Similarly, BJP has also criticised the ruling party of taking undue political mileage by using public money to organise a week-long event at such a grand scale.

However, the BJD said that the celebrations are a reflection of people's needs. "Such celebrations are not new. Such events are being organised on every big occasion. The public does not always want meetings and conferences but cultural extravaganzas as well," party spokesperson Amar Satpathy said.

It is to be noted that even though the Jajpur Municipality came into existence in 1869, its 150th year is being celebrated a year earlier.