LIVE TV
Odisha
Recommended Stories
Bhubaneswar: Action against Gopalpur MLA Pradeep Panigrahi should have been done a long time ago. CM Naveen Patnaik delayed in axing Panigrahi who he is dipped in corruption, alleged Congress' Sanakhemundi MLA Ramesh Jena on Sunday.
While addressing a presser, Jena alleged that Panigrahi has links with several sand and liquor mafia in Ganjam district. All such persons should be brought under the purview of the ongoing investigation by the Crime Branch, the senior Congress leader said.
“CM Naveen Patnaik had roped Pradeep Panigrahi as his representative in the last elections. Panigrahi, who was elected thrice as MLA from Gopalpur, also held portfolio of a minister in Naveen Patnaik’s cabinet. The entire law and order situation in Ganjam deteriorated after Panigrahi was given the helm of party affairs in the district. He was involved in several irregularities and duped several people by misusing his position as a MLA and Minister, “alleged Jena.
He further said that Panigrahi is involved in a mega land scam in the district. When people in the district were suffering during COVID-19 lockdown, Panigrahi was seen travelling in charter flights to several parts of the country.
“Panigrahi should clarify what was so hurry that he had to travel to different parts of the country in chartered flights even during the enforcement of lockdown. He has also links with several sand and liquor mafia in the district. Several MLAs in the district are closely working with Panigrahi and involved in such irregularities. All of them should be brought under the purview of investigation,” Jena said.
Though BJD had expelled Panigrahi on anti-people activities, the Chief Minister should have acted against him much before, said Jena.
The Congress legislator further added that 54 false cases were registered against him at the behest of Pradeep Panigrahi.
“Pradeep Panigrahi has 100 acres of land at Sorada and has also encroached upon forest land. Stern action should be taken against the officials and MLAs who have links with Pradeep Panigrahi,” Jena added.
(Edited By Suryakant Jena)
