Bhubaneswar: Former Kendrapara MP Baijayant Jay Panda made a scathing attack on Odisha government by raking up the issue of corruption during Jana Samavesh organised at Gondia in Dhenkanal today.
While addressing the public meeting, Panda alleged that corruption and hooliganism have increased under the present dispensation. Such hooliganism is furthered through the recently formed Biju Yuva Vahini where his idol Biju Patnaik’s name has been misused.
“Biju Yuva Vahini has turned a goonda vahini of the State government,” Panda alleged adding that corruption is ingrained even in Block and Tehsil levels.
"The State government has failed to maintain law and order in the State. It has done nothing for victims of atrocities like in case of Kunduli rape victim. Even National Crime Records Bureau has acknowledged that Odisha has highest number of crime related incidents against women and children in the country," Panda said.
The former MP urged people to unite against corruption and bring a change in Odisha.
Speaking during the event, convenor of Dhenkanal Swabhiman Surakshya Manch, Nabin Nanda, said, "People want sub-division status for Gondia and this Jana Samavesh has been organised to protest against government apathy."
Thousands of people accorded a grand welcome to Panda who was escorted to the venue in a massive rally today.
Tension prevailed at the Jana Samavesh venue for some time after some youths created ruckus by trying to climb on to the dais. However, the youths were stopped by the supporters of Nanda and handed over to police.
Responding to Panda’s allegations, senior BJD leader Debi Prasad Mishra said, "Calling Biju Yuva Vahini as 'goonda vahini' is not justified as it is engaged in various social & welfare activities in the State."