Politics over implementation of Odisha food security scheme in Keonjhar

Keonjhar: Controversy has marred the implementation of Odisha’s own food security scheme which was launched with much fanfare by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti on October 2.

Resentment is brewing among people as the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is allegedly using the government scheme for its own political gains, alleged Manas Nayak, sarpanch of Telkoi block of Keonjhar district.

Nayak alleged that the function organized recently to distribute ration cards among beneficiaries was more of a BJD-programme than a government event.

“We stayed away from the programme as several elected representatives including sarpanch and other members were sidelined. Moreover, the event turned out to be a BJD programme,” said Nayak.

Telkoi MLA Vedvyas Nayak on the other hand stated that nearly 4,370 beneficiaries were provided with ration cards and the newly introduced Odisha’s own food security programme will help the poor people.