Odisha: I’m Happy That People Of Bhubaneswar Are Missing My Presence; Says Aparajita

Bhubaneswar: Lok Sabha MP Aparajita Sarangi hit back in style after her missing posters were found in several parts of the Capital City on Thursday.

According to sources, ‘Aparajita Missing’ posters surfaced in the city questioning her silence on National Monuments Authority (NMA) draft heritage bylaws for Lingaraj Temple and Ekamra Kshetra region. While the bylaws for the Shree Jagannath Temple have been withdrawn, the same regarding the Ekamra Kshetra continue.

While the incident is seen as a culmination of political rivalry, people were taken aback by the posters.

Responding to the incident, Aparajita, who is in New Delhi for the ongoing Parliament session, said she would be returning Bhubaneswar soon and take stock of the situation.

“I am so happy that the people of Bhubaneswar are missing my presence. I will return on February 15 and discuss the matter with all stakeholders and understand the matter properly,” said Sarangi.

“Necessary steps will be taken following my thorough research on NMA draft and visits to the sites,” she said adding that the Narendra Modi government is all for development but rules and regulations must be followed for such projects.

Meanwhile, Opposition BJP has hit back at ruling BJD for the poster campaign.

“We strongly condemn the happenings. BJD is worried due to the rising popularity of Aparajita and they are unnecessarily creating the issues,” said State BJP spokesperson Lekhasri Samantsinghar.

“BJD is talking about women’s emancipation. But most of the party’s MPs are often remaining absent during the functioning of the Parliament,” she alleged.

Meanwhile, Laxmi Sagar police on Thursday arrested two persons in connection with a clash over putting up missing posters of the MP. They have been identified as Dhaneswar Barik and Jyoti Ranjan Panda. Among them Barik is reportedly a personal assistant of Sarangi.