Locals oppose MLA during PEETHA programme in Balasore

Balasore: In an embarrassing situation, Balasore MLA Jiban Pradip Dash faced stiff opposition after locals gheraoed him and created ruckus during People's Empowerment - Enabling Transparency and Accountability of Odisha Initiatives (PEETHA) progamme in the district yesterday.

Alleging irregularities in LED bulb distribution, the locals created ruckus during PEETHA programme organised at Chakasartha panchayat under Sadar block in the district.

The beneficiaries also alleged irregularities in PDS rice distribution and gheraoed the MLA. On seeing the resentment growing, the legislator reportedly left the venue, added sources.

Downplaying the incident, the MLA stated that the programme was organised smoothly.

“Everything was normal during the PEETHA program held at the Chakasartha panchayat. But the problem started during the distribution of LED bulbs as the number of selected beneficiaries were more for which the situation got out of control,” said Dash.