BJP workers gherao block offices across Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Alleging rampant corruption, BJP workers today gheraoed several block offices across the State including the one in Bhubaneswar.

According to sources, the national party has alleged that due to BJD workers, no work is getting done without paying 'percentage commission' (PC).  It also alleged that various schemes rolled out by the Centre are not reaching the people and beneficiaries are being chosen on the recommendations of BJD leaders.

While BJP leaders Nihar Ray, Jagabandhu Behera, Purnima Kerketa were the prominent faces of the agitation in Rourkela's Bisra block, Shyamprasad Behera, Arun Bej spearheaded the protests in Balasore.

"We are demanding action against corrupt PC practices at different offices. This corrupt government should be brought down as early as possible," BJP executive member, Nihar Ray said.

BJP's protests will continue for three days till October 29, sources said.

On the other, BJD has launched a counter-attack on BJP by accusing the national party of disrupting development work in the State.

"The protests will not affect BJD's work. Post cyclone Titlli, various developmental work is being done in several districts of South Odisha. In other districts some social activities have been undertaken by BJD workers and BJP is trying to disrupt it," Senior BJD leader and Cooperation Minister Surya Narayan Patro said.