The committee led by MLA Amar Prasad Satpathy comprises of legislators of all the parties including Congress and BJP. The committee will review the demands of the legislators and submit a report to the Speaker.
Meanwhile, Speaker has asked the government to consider the issue.
Notably, the members of the Odisha Legislative Assembly on Saturday urged the government to raise their salary in view of rising inflation. MLAs cutting across party lines raised the demand during the Zero Hour citing the inflationary condition.
“The salary of MLAs was revised for the last time in 2017. Also, our travel allowances were raised that year. Keeping the inflationary condition in mind, the State government should raise our salary,” demanded Opposition chief whip and BJP MLA Mohan Majhi.
At present, Odisha legislators draw Rs 1 lakh salary per month while MLAs in other states get more salary. They avail basic salary of Rs 35,000 while another Rs 65,000 is provided as allowance. This excludes daily allowances of Rs 1500 per day that they get when the assembly is in session and Rs 2000 per day when they visit outside the state.
The salary of Odisha MLAs is far less compared to many other states. Odisha MLAs’ monthly remuneration is 19th among Indian states.
According to official data, Telangana lawmakers are the highest paid in the country. They get around Rs 2.75 lakh per month followed by Maharashtra with Rs 2.30 lakh, Rs 2.05 in Karnataka and Rs 2.05 in Jharkhand.
Ruling BJD MLA Amar Prasad Satpathy said the demand is justified since salaries are periodically revised for all sections.
“The MLAs need to spend a lot on the constituents,” Satpathy said.
Similarly, Opposition chief whip and BJP MLA Mohan Majhi said the cost of commodities has increased. But, there has been no rise in their salary since 2017.
“The salary of Odisha MLAs is far less compared to many other states,” Majhi said.
Supporting him, Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati also demanded more salary for legislators.
The face off took place following a protest launched by the Congress members in Papadahandi in front of the block office alleging mass corruption in the block which was allegedly facilitated by the BDO, Ranjita Mallick.
Speaking to reporters, Bahinipati said, “We are fed up with her work and conduct. She has threatened people to get them arrested on false woman atrocities case.”
“She does not know how to behave with a public representative. Even after repeated complaints, the district administration has turned a deaf ear on this matter,” Bahinipati alleged.
However, the BDO, Ranjita Mallick refuted the allegations and said that Bahinipati has misbehaved with her instead.
“He is Jeypore MLA and does not have any business here. But he assembled Congress members and misbehaved with me after accusing me of involvement of Corruption,” she said.
“The MLA did not let me go for lunch and made me sit at the office forcefully,” she alleged.
Notably, the Deogarh police on Sunday had arrested local MLA Subash Chandra Panigrahi and his two associates for allegedly thrashing Tileibani block development officer (BDO) Krushnachandra Dalapati on Saturday.
BDO Dalapati had lodged a complaint against Panigrahi accusing the legislator of beating him up on Saturday.
Besides registering a complaint against the MLA, BDO Krushnachandra Dalapati also took the matter up with the district Collector.
Meanwhile MLA Panigrahi has also lodged a counter complaint against the BDO.
According to reports, Panigrahi had asked Dalapati to come and meet him over a certain issue, however as the latter was away at Chhepalipali village for an inspection, he expressed his inability to attend the meeting.
Hearing Dalapati’s answer, Panigrahi flew off the handle. In the next moment, he along with few supporters visited Chhepalipali village and reportedly thrashed the BDO.
“As per my previous discussion with the tehsildar madam, I had gone to Bhaliagudi village under Chhepalipali gram panchayat in connection with a WPC case in the Orissa High Court. At about 10 am, I received a call from the MLA asking me to meet him. I told him I would meet him after returning from Chhepalipali,” said Dalapati.
“After a while, the MLA and few of his supporters reached the spot where I was and started thrashing me,” said the BDO.
Patro convened a review meeting today to hold discussions with the concerned officials about the construction. After taking stock of the progress of the project, he told journalists that March 30 is the last date for filing tender and India’s top most construction companies are participating in the bidding for the project.
“It will take 10 to 15 days to finalise the tender and then the work order will be awarded. Subsequently, the present MLA quarters will be demolished to give way to multi-storeyed apartments,” he added.
“In the MLA colony, seven legislators are yet to vacate their quarters. They have been asked to vacate their quarters by March 25. Thereafter, the process of pulling down the old houses and construction of new buildings will take off,” said Patro.
Sources said, while a budget amounting to Rs 275 crore has been earmarked for the project, Rs 50 crore has already been provided to the Chief Engineer of the Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation (OBCC). The Finance department of the Odisha government will provide the remaining Rs 225 crore.
The apartments will be 10-storeyed and 11-storeyed ones, housing a total of 300 quarters. Of those, while 130 quarters will be for legislators, there will also be 25 Type-V and 105 Type-VII quarters. This apart, some quarters will also be meant for IAS officers.
The buildings will also have market complexes, medical facility and a banquet hall to accommodate 2000 people at a time. The buildings will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.
According to his family, Pradhan had left home yesterday saying he was going to Boinda. After he did not return, his family members made a frantic search but in vain.
Soon after the GRP personnel spotted Pradhan's body beside the railway tracks, they informed his family members who rushed to the spot to identify the body this morning.
While police are suspecting he might have tried to get down at Kainphulia and died after slipping off the train, the former legislator's family members informed that he was suffering from memory loss for the past few days.
Pradhan was elected to the Athamallik assembly constituency on Utkal Congress ticket in 1971.
While BJD leaders including MLA Debasish Samantaray, MP Kulamani Samal and another party legislator Prashant Muduli were on their way to attend the padyatra programme at Fatepur in Kujang, some members of the farmer outfit blocked the road and submitted a memorandum to the leaders.
Besides, the farmers' body threatened not to allow any politician to villages if the government does not consider their demands by November 30.
"If farmers are prevented to hold a rally in Bhubaneswar, leaders will not be allowed to enter villages. The State government should fulfil the demands by November 30, failing which we will intensify our agitation," said Bishnu Charan Swain, coordinator of the farmers' body.
In his reaction, BJD MLA, Debashis Samantray said, "As the CM considers the demands of people from different walks of life, I am hopeful that he will look into the demands of farmers as well."
“We had taken a pledge to uplift the poor and develop Boudh district for which we had chosen Rana as MLA. But he has failed to discharge his duties and collectively we have decided to replace him. If he is given a BJD ticket to contest elections this time, we will take every step to defeat him,” said a BJD worker, Sambhu Prasad Sethi.
According to sources, a meeting was organised by a group of BJD workers at Chepra which happens to be in Rana’s constituency. The meeting, which was reportedly attended by the local sarpanch and BJD members of eight nearby panchayats witnessed a crowd turnout of 2000 people. Rana was criticised for not carrying out any developmental work in their area, informed sources.
Commenting on the matter Rana said “Some group of haters who are not being able to tolerate my popularity and increasing influence among the locals had organised a meeting to defame me, but the locals will give them a befitting reply in the coming days.”
The two-time MLA from Pallahara, who was also an MP from Deogarh in 1980, resides in Room no-24 of Nilakantha Hostel at Utkal University.
Despite achieving success in his political career, Sahu chose to quit as he felt that principles are slowly fading away from politics. That's why he decided to spend the last phase of his life as a student.
"No rules, regulations and principles are followed in politics, so I decided to quit. It was the happiest day of my life when I got admission at Utkal University," Sahu said.
In 1963, Sahu graduated in Economics from Ravenshaw University.
But his zeal to pursue higher studies turned him into a student once again after 46 years. In 2009, he started pursuing his post-graduation at Utkal University and completed it in 2011. Subsequently, in 2012, he pursued M.Phil in Philosophy.
Sahu had not been able to complete his higher education as he belonged to a backward region of Odisha where only a few get chance to go for higher studies.
"As I belong to a backward region, I don't want the next generations to suffer. So I advise them to refrain from involving in corrupt practices," the 80-year-old said.
With his great sense of humour and ability to mingle with young students of the hostel, the octogenarian has managed to create a special place among the hostel students.
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"The way he mingles with us, he never makes us feel that there is a huge age gap. He acts like a friend as well as a guardian," a student said.
Even administrative officials of Utkal University think that Sahu is setting an example for the students of the university.
"Sahu always guides the young students with his unique personality. We thank him for gelling with us by staying at the hostel as a student," Director of CDC at Utkal University, Santosh Tripathy, said.
In his free time, Sahu also works on his auto-biography.
Sources said, the lady was a beggar and after her death, no one wanted to perform her last rites. When Rengali MLA, Ramesh Patua came to know about the incident, he along with other volunteers carried the dead body on a hearse and buried it near the village.
"As soon as I got the news, I immediately left for Amanapali along with my two sons to complete her last rites," Patua said.
The noble act by the people's representative was praised by locals.
Koraput MLA, Sagaria made these allegations in front of the district collector, who reportedly assured that an investigation will be launched into the matter.
According to sources, the said land spread over three acres and 94 cent with an estimated cost of approximately Rs 25-30 crore belongs to the Koraput municipality. According to the MLA, some corrupt employees of the municipality and Tehsil are deliberately not submitting documents, undermining the ownership claim of the municipality in court.
Sources said, a person identified as Paidi Tali, the actual owner of this land had donated it to the Koraput Municipality for the welfare of common people. In the 1966, the municipality had received the record of rights for this land. However, the documents proving the ownership of the municipality have gone missing.
The executive officer of the municipality has accepted that the civic body could not produce the requisite documents in the court as they are missing.
Bhagwan Bahinipati, the chairman of the Koraput Municipality said we demand a proper investigation and despite the fact that we have lost the case we will move the High Court.
Speaking to media, Koraput Collector K. Sudarshan Chakrabarty said, the MLA has filed a complaint regarding the land scam and suitable action will be taken as per procedure.
Kharsel lodged a complaint today at the Dharamgarh Police Station after taking out a rally with the members of Jadhav Sangh.
"I had raised my voice against the false assurance to support for farmers following which the MLA threatened to kill me," said Kharsel.
The incident reportedly took place yesterday during the 'Cooperative at your doorsteps' program of the State government in Boden when Kharsel allegedly started abusing. Subsequently, Mishra was angered by the act and started threatening Kharsel, a video of which went viral.
On the other hand, Mishra has defended his act saying he was controlling a man who was creating nuisance during the program.
"The man was using extremely bad language during the program so I asked him to calm down and assured him that I will come to him and solve his issues, but he relentlessly continued to abuse," the Junagarh MLA said.
Parlakhemundi: A former councillor has been arrested by the Parlakhemundi police for allegedly hatching a conspiracy to kill an MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly).
The accused identified as G.Bijay Kumar has been forwarded to the court, informed sources.
A complaint was filed by the concerned MLA based on a voice recording in which the accused is allegedly heard saying that he will execute the murder for money.
Based on the recording, Police registered a case and started investigation.
Kumar is also accused of extortion & misbehaving with another person, informed sources.
"A case has been registered against the former councillor based on a audio recording. During the investigation we had enough evidence against him for arrest," Sub Divisional Police Officer of Parlakhemundi, Thakur Patra said.
Meanwhile, the accused has refuted the allegations.
"Not a single case has been registered against me. My arrest is politically motivated," Kumar said.
Bolangir: Three relatives of Kantabaji MLA Ayub Khan have been accused of abducting two contractors and demanding ransom from them in Bolangir.
As per a written complaint filed with the Bolangir Superintendent of Police, contractor brothers from Lathor village—Nilesh Agarwal and Akash Agarwal, had come to Bolangir’s MI office at around 11 am today for some paper work of a particular project.
Subsequently, they were abducted by a few men including the relatives of the MLA in a car and taken through Patnagarh and Titlagarh road, the complaint report added.
However, the contractor brothers were released after they promised to pay Rs 2 lakh to the abductors.
“Ijaz Khan, Chhotu Khan and Bunty Khan, who are relatives of MLA Ayub Khan, and few other men kidnapped us today and demanded a ransom of Rs 7 lakh initially and later fixed Rs 2 lakh,” said Nilesh Agarwal.
Meanwhile, the Bolangir SDPO has assured to take action against the accused after a complete investigation.
“The brothers were abducted as there was some monetary dispute. They were later released after they assured to pay Rs 2 lakh to the abductors,” said Bolangir SDPO Prasant Kumar Patnaik.
On the other hand, the MLA said that he doesn’t know anything about the incident while his relatives are yet to respond.
“I have no idea about this incident. He could have been at loggerheads over some contractual project,” said MLA Ayub Khan.
Speaking to reporters here after his election as leader of the JD(S) Legislature Party, he alleged that BJP was making attempts to lure his party MLAs with monetary offers.
Addressing the media, Kumaraswamy said,"JD(S) MLAs are being offered Rs 100 crore each. Where is this black money coming from? They are supposedly the servers of poor people and they are offering money today. Where are the income tax officials," reported ANI.
https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996647593332658178
The BJP was trying to "misuse" its power being in office at the Centre, he charged.
He said that the national party is in a "hurry" to form the government in Karnataka despite falling short of numbers, and resorting to "horsetrading" by trying to lure his party MLAs with money.
Kumaraswamy said the Congress-JD(S) alliance had a "clear majority" with the support of 116 MLAs.
"Without the numbers, how can they (BJP) form the government?" he asked.The JD(S) leader said he was not out to grab power.
As the state Assembly polls gave a fractured verdict, the JD(S) and Congress have come together and petitioned Governor Vajubhai Vala to allow them to form its government.
(With Agency inputs)
Koraput: Congress MLA from Koraput Krushna Chandra Sagaria and his family members formally embraced Buddhism today at a special function at Burja village under Laxmipur block of the district.
The ceremony was attended by hundreds of devotees from Koraput and Buddhist monks from Chhattisgarh, Raipur and Nagpur.
Apart from Sagaria’s family, 100 more families embraced Buddhism during the ceremony.
Buddhist monk Bhonte Buddhaghosh initiated the conversion process. The MLA’s pledge was preceded by customary rituals—“Trisharan” and “Panchseel Shikshya.”
Although Sagaria himself did not cite any reasons for the conversions, sources said that he was pained with the atrocities and discriminations on SC STs. Moreover he believes that Odisha was the state that promoted Buddhism and it should continue to do so, sources said.
Responding to a question on whether he will involve himself in promoting Buddhism, the Congress MLA said, “I have no such plans as of now.”
It is not clear if Sagaria, who represents a Scheduled Caste constituency, will be able to hold his reserved category status.
Mishra alleged that the state government lied to the Supreme Court about a notification on Lokayukta published on January 16, 2015.
"If a notification has been issued on January 16, 2015 to implement Odisha Lokayukta Act, then the Chief Minister should present the Odisha Gazette notification before the house mentioning the Act number and year. In 2013 there were 5 convictions and this year the state government didn't provide any data," said Mishra.
During the demand for grants discussion of the Home & General Administration department, Mishra also raised issues like illegal mining, chit fund scam, corruption, rising incidents of rape of minor girls and collection of percentage or PC from contractors on government tenders.
The opposition also raised questions on a white paper tabled by the government in the Assembly.
BJP MLA, Rabi Nayak said "Home Department has been protecting the state government by manipulating the statistics."
Responding to the issues raised by the opposition, government chief whip Amar Satapathy, said "Everything will be discussed in detail in the Assembly. When other members will participate, we will also participate as treasury members. Some issues like rate of conviction were raised to which replies were given based on available authentic data."
Petitioner Rohit Pradhan, a general voter of Polsara alleged that the legislator had provided false information related to his educational qualification in the affidavit during the general elections.
The Centre, State government, district returning officer and the MLA along with the headmaster of Hatiota High School have been made parties in the case.
"He won the election by providing false information. We want the election be declared null and void," petitioner's lawyer Sidhharth Das said.
Baliarsingh, who was an independent MLA from Satyabadi from 2004 to 2009, said, "Earlier the CM was working as per the directive of late Pyari Mohan Mohapatra and now he is being guided by a Tamil IAS officer sitting on the third floor."
He alleged Patnaik is not looking into party affairs for which many leaders have left BJD.
Besides, he also expressed displeasure over inclusion of sitting MLA Umakanta Samantray into BJD fold. Baliarsingh as a BJD candidate had earlier lost to an independent candidate Umakanta Samantray in the 2014 Assembly polls.
In his reaction, BJD spokesperson Amar Prasad Satpathy refuted the allegations and said all decisions are being taken by party Chief Naveen Patnaik.
"The CM is taking the final call and party programmes are being held in democratic way. Earlier, the party had given several responsibilities to Baliarsingh on different occasions. As now he had made up his mind, he is making such baseless statements,” said Satpathy.
Talking to media persons on the sidelines of the Odisha Literary Festival in Bhubaneswar, Pradhan said, "Definitely I will contest from Odisha in the upcoming polls. However, it is up to the party to decide whether it will be for the Assembly or Lok Sabha."
Commenting on his closed door meetings with BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik recently, Pradhan stated he shares a great rapport with each and everyone. "Ideology might differ, but people in public sphere should have a good rapport with everyone," he added.
However, lambasting the State government, Pradhan said, "Now people of Odisha want a change and no one can stop it from happening. They want to uproot the present corrupt and inefficient BJD-led government."
Pradhan was promoted to the rank of a Cabinet Minister in the Narendra Modi-led Union government and was given the additional charge as Union Skill Development minister during the recent ministry reshuffle in September this year.
He was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Bihar in March 2012.
Pradhan was elected to the 14th Lok Sabha from Deogarh constituency in Odisha and was also a member of the Odisha Assembly from Pallalhara constituency during 2000 and 2004.
https://youtu.be/rwfjHia_Hyg?t=1
He was shifted to Cuttack following the advice of a four-member team of doctors from Capital Hospital attending him since Friday, hospital superintendent Chitta Ranjan Dash said.
“Our Orthopaedic specialist found a major problem in his waist as he had undergone a surgery recently. He has some neurological disorder in the right leg and also suffering from loss of appetite. So, we have advised him to undergo treatment at Neurology and Gastroenterology departments there,” Dash said.
Meanwhile, doctors at SCB have admitted him in the ICU as his condition is stated to be critical. “He doesn’t look well. He has multidisciplinary problems with some complications in his vertebral column as he recently underwent a bariatric surgery. We will form a special team for his treatment,” SCB superintendent Shyama Kanungo said.
After his bail petition was rejected by the Special CJM CBI court on Saturday, he has filed a fresh bail petition in Khurda District and Sessions Court.
He was arrested by the CBI on Septemebr 19 in connection with an allegedly dubious land deal with Seashore Group chief Prasant Dash.
The women's police station in Rourkela earlier this month had booked the MLA's son Rakesh Tirkey (31) on the basis of the written complaint filed by the alleged victim.
While the MLA's name was not mentioned in the complaint, names of Namita and Rakesh appeared in the FIR.
Anticipating that they would be arrested, the two had approached the high court seeking advance bail. But Justice S C Parija granted anticipatory to Namita directing the police that in the event of her arrest in the case, she shall be released on bail.
Rakesh's advance bail plea could not be taken up on the day due to paucity of time. The HC, however, directed the prosecution in the case to submit the case diary to the court during the puja vacations beginning from September 25 so that the matter could be taken up again after the vacation ends on October 3.
The sub-panel of the amenities committee today decided to increase the monthly salary and other allowances of MLAs from Rs 58,000 to Rs 1 lakh.
While chief minister’s salary has been hiked to Rs 98,000, deputy chief minister and speaker will now earn Rs 97,500 monthly as compared to Rs 58,500 earlier. The hike will also see salaries of ministers, leader of opposition and government chief whip increase from Rs 58,000 to Rs 97,000.
Similarly, ministers of state and deputy speaker will now get a salary of Rs 95,000 monthly, while deputy ministers will get Rs 93,000 against a previous salary of Rs 56,000.
A breakdown of the total salary shows, that car allowance for all has been increased from Rs 10,000 to Rs 17,000 while sumptuary allowance has been hiked from Rs 24,000 to Rs 40,000.
The State government had revised the emoluments last time in 2009.
Earlier in the day several MLAs from both ruling and Opposition parties met chief minister Naveen Patnaik and urged him to approve the salary hike demands while further asking him to increase funds under MLA Local Area Development (LAD) fund to a minimum of Rs 3 crore from Rs 1 crore.
Legislators have been demanding for fatter pay packets for quite some time now and the issue had heated up the Budget session of the Assembly back in April.
According to sources, the MLA forcibly tried to enter the State Secretariat through Gate No. 1 on a bike flouting the security norms laid down for entry into the premises. As per the Secretariat security norms, pedestrians and bikers are not allowed to enter the secretariat through gate number one. There are other gates earmarked for the two wheelers.
On being asked, Majhi said he was not aware of the prohibitory rules. ‘’I felt insulted when intercepted by security personnel. I didn't misbehave with them, it was just a verbal tiff," said the legislator in his defence.
Meanwhile, a security personal said he requested the MLA not to enter through the gate and even other officials along with their senior officer tried to make him understood the security norms but he didn’t listen to anyone.
"Even after being denied once and requested not to come for entry through the gate, he came again, said a security personal.
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In an interview to OTV, Naik said his decision to quit the party is due to his dissatisfaction over party affairs and deception by some leaders of the party.
“I had a key role in building party’s base in Kesinga NAC and Kesinga block. Of late I was trying to strengthen party’s grassroots in my own constituency Bhawanipatna but some Congress leaders tried to back stab me so I have decided to quit the party,” Naik told OTV.
Naik did not hold anyone responsible for his decision but stated that since there's no future for him in the party, he prefers quitting.
Sources said, Naik who was a staunch supporter of Lulu Mohapatra has reportedly been sidelined after the demise of the strongman.
Although senior leaders from the party are yet to comment on the development, party spokesman Lalatendu Mohapatra said if Naik has got any issues then it could be solved through discussions with the party leaders. “Naik has not yet quit the party and there is no need to lay emphasis on it in media,” Mohapatra said.
According to sources, the woman reportedly ransacked the house of the legislator situated in Unit-IV by smashing flower pots and window panes. After the woman failed to enter the house, she resorted to ransacking, informed sources.
Meanwhile, the Kharavela Nagar police took the woman to custody to prevent any untoward situation.
“A video clip of all the ransacking is there. I don’t want to comment on the matter and law will take its own course,” said Brajakishore.
The posters of the conch declaring the death anniversary observation have been vying for visibility amidst the larger than life Narendra Modi and Amit Shah cutouts.
Many observers believe the ruling party will use the occasion as a platform to balance some of the effects of the BJP’s national executive meet here that will witness huge participation of union ministers and party leaders.
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“PM Narendra Modi’s objective to make Odisha a lab for pro-poor schemes after this executive meet has definitely spread apprehension within the ruling-BJD,” said BJP’s Sameer Mohanty.
“Our program on Biju Babu’s death anniversary has no relationship with BJP’s convention. One cannot change the fact that the death anniversary falls on April 17 every year and one cannot say that the BJP’s meet so close to this date will have any adverse effect on us either,” said BJD spokesperson, Pratap Deb.
Spokesperson of BJP Golak Mohapatra told media persons, “At a time when the Sec 144 was in force in the town, how the rally was permitted. Besides, houses were torched but the police were a mere spectator.”
The saffron party also demanded for the Bhadrak SP’s suspension and immediate arrest of the accused.
Mohapatra also asked for a provision of compensation for the Bhadrak unrest victims towards property losses.
Though the Bhadrak legislator declined to comment on the charges, BJD spokesperson Amar Prasad Satpathy urged political leaders to stay away from comments which can complicate the situation.
Satpathy further stated, “This is not the appropriate time to make allegations and counter allegations. Everyone should cooperate the Bhadrak district administration to bring back the peace.”
Patnaik was replying to a query by newsmen after meeting the panchayat raj representatives of Puri district. ''I can only say that his (Oram's) statement is just wishful thinking,'' Patnaik said.
Asked about any probability of a Bihar-like alliance owing to the saffron surge in rural polls in Odisha, Patnaik said, “The general elections are far away and its too early to take any such decision.”
Also read: Ruling-BJD MPs, MLAs in talks to join BJP: Jual Oram
Earlier in the day, Agriculture Minister Pradeep Maharathy said, “The chief minister will examine the issue of farm loan waiver raised by the Delang block chairman and consider it.” The Odisha government has already decided to waive the subsidy on purchase of power tiller and tractor, the minister added.
The CM also stated that the government will examine the demand for waiver of farm loan and take a decision.
The Chief Minster has been meeting the panchayat raj representatives of different districts in phases at the BJD State headquarters office for past few days.
Not only BJD, members including former MLAs, MPs, Ministers of other parties are also discussing prospects of joining BJP, said Jual without divulging the names and the number of such members who are waiting in the lurk to switch sides.
“There are some who are pursuing serious discussions to join the BJP. There are MPs, former MPs, former ministers, MLAs, senior party office bearers of all parties including BJD are in talks with BJP. After the performance of BJP in the recently concluded elections in four states, everyone is heading towards BJP,” said Jual.
Notably, couple of days back, a former Congress MLA and a former Zilla Parishad Chairperson joined BJP. However, claims of sitting MLAs and MPs joining BJP is something which is being taken with a pinch of salt by observers.
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If less than one-third of the number of legislators and MPs switch to another party, then the anti-defection law can be invoked leading to cancellation of membership, which further undermines chances of MLAs and MPs joining BJP.
“As far as I know, there are no chances of MPs and MLAs of our party joining BJP,” said BJD spokesperson, Pratap Deb.
“He is just trying to create a flutter under the assumption that BJP has become powerful. However, the situation at the grassroots level is quite different,” said Congress Leader Mohammed Mokim.
On Wednesday, reacting to Agriculture Minister’s statement on CM Naveen Patnaik considering waiving off farm loan, Rout stirred a hornet’s nest stating that ‘’farmers do not utilise the farm loan for the right purposes but for marrying off daughters and consuming liquor.’’ However, after protests from the BJP and the CM refuting it as ‘incorrect’, Rout was fast enough to change his statement on Thursday.
He bowed to pressure or did a damage control is for anyone to guess but he mended by saying his intention was not to point at the farmers but the land owners. ‘’I have always demanded loans for farmers, particularly share croppers. I meant the loan is being handed over to the land owners and not the actual farmers who work in the fields,’’ he justified.
Earlier too, Rout has made a volte face on many of his remarks. He also faults at many public functions while detailing data relating to the state or otherwise. But that does not make him rein his tongue. He wears a ‘care- a-damn’ corsage with non chalance like none other in the party and that lands him in trouble many a time.
It is very difficult to run a democratic government under bureaucratic influence
He had once been ousted from the ministry in 2011 for stating that there cannot be a second power centre within the party pointing at MP late Pyarimohan Mohapatra. And when rumours of his expulsion from the party followed, he was unfazed. Similarly, in 2016, he was embroiled in a controversy for his statements on Cuttack Mayor Anita Behera’s resignation. He faced lot of criticism for making adverse remarks against the Assembly speaker Niranjan Pujari in 2014 and in 2013, the NCSC Chairman had tagged him a habitual offender for his casteist remarks while he was the Health and Family Welfare Minister.
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A few days back, his statement on the Assembly floor, that he ceases to be the ‘most efficient’ minister because ‘’it is very difficult to run a ‘democratic government under bureaucratic influence,’’ shook the entire system. Though this is a common perception among all sections of people, Rout was the one to spell it out to a filled House.
Since, for whatever Rout says as a reaction becomes a headline, people instigate him to speak out even if he is least associated with the subject. And he obliges as his age, experience and stature make the two-time Paradip MLA and four time Erasama legislator, the outspoken man he is, irrespective of being appreciated, criticised or ridiculed. Like him or not, he is among the counted leaders in the BJD, who dares to make a noise in the party, that prefers to maintain silence, just like the party chief.
The cluster of backward villages in Aul-Rajkanika belt of Odisha’s Kendrapara district, which has churned out best of talents to don country’s jersey, is no more the nursery of women’s football.
Thanks to gross absence of government initiative, the cradle of women’s football is on a steady decline.
The irony is that the budding talents are now being guided and coached by a cricketer, who represented Kendrapara district in state-level inter-district Kalahandi Cup cricket tournament.
While Sasmita Mallick from Aul has brought glory following her selection as women’s footballer of the year by All India Football Federation (AIFF), the ground realities in soccer arena in Aul brings has brought under sharp focus the gradual downslide in women’s football with talents no more coming to the forefront anymore.
“The prevailing scenario is a poor shadow of the glorious past. There is little to cheer though the local girl Sasmita has been conferred the women footballer of the year by AIFF. There was a time when as many as 16 girls from these areas had represented the country in both the junior and senior level. But the golden days are gone. At present these areas have single representation in the national and state level”, remarked ex-vice president of Odisha Women’s Football Association and the sitting Aul MLA, Debendra Sharma.
The state women’s football team was virtually packed with girls from Aul. As many as 36 girls have found their place in the State’s senior, junior and sub-junior women’s football teams. It was a matter of pride that the girls including Sasmita had overcome poverty to script success story.
It’s criminal negligence on part of the state government that has paved the way of decline of women’s football in Aul. The budding players are deprived of proper coaching. The government is yet to depute a fulltime football coach. The local football association does not have the resources to recruit private coaches to hone the skill of upcoming women footballers. As a result the precious talents are being wasted due to lack of government support, he rued.
At present, Rajeswari Das is representing country’s senior team while Sanghanmitra Mallick has been picked for junior team. In sharp contrast to the prevailing scenario, 16 women footballers from this belt have represented India in senior and junior level between 2000 and 2015.
Apart from Sasmita, Alochana Senapati, Suprava Samal, Sangita Patra, Shradhanjali Sahu, Rashmita Patra, Kaushalya Barik, Rachita Barik, Sinalata Sahu, Anima Mallick, Jyotsna Mallick, Menaka Mallik, Gayatri Mallik, Bijaylaxmi Sahu, Tikina Samal- all from backward villages of Aul and Rajkanika blocks- have represented the country.
“All of these star players were nurtured under my guidance. That’s why this area deservingly was being regarded as the nursery of women’s football. However. I quit coaching assignment couple of years back due to differences over pay package. The girls of these areas have the talent, prowess and expertise to excel in soccer arena. Only thing they need is coaching and motivation. The state government should come forward to depute fulltime coach to revive the football glory,” said ex-coach Chitta Ranjan Patra.
“I was shocked to know that government PET who was a cricketer is presently imparting physical training and football training to a bunch of women footballers from Aul. I am of the view that the budding talents ought to be taken care in a better way than they are taken care at present”, he concluded.
The local MLA whose support and patronage in past years helped the women’s football stride ahead said, “The need of the hour is to have a government-run sports hostel in Aul to revive the lost glory. Whatever was achieved in past years was due to private sponsorship and patronage. The state government has done nothing except sending a coach for fortnight every year. These talented footballers need coaching round the year”.
District Sports Officer, Loknath Panigrahy said “The Sports and Youth Affairs Department has not deputed coach in past years. The amazing girls from Aul have excelled due to initiative of local football and athletic association. We have requested the higher-ups for deployment of a full-time coach for Aul women footballers”.
According to sources, the mother of Sindhu Madhuri had applied for a death certificate of the latter, near the Sub Collector, claiming that she had died on June 23, 2013. Surprisingly the Revenue Inspector o the area had also submitted a report in 2014 stating that Madhuri is dead.
Following it, the death certificate was issued on January 08, 2015.
However, the incident came to light when Madhuri took a loan of Rs 30,000 from a private finance company on January 20, 2015. While her neighbour identified as Srinu also claimed her to be alive, statements of Madhuri and her mother could not be recorded as they were not at home.
On the other hand Sub-Collector Birendra Karkara said that Tehsildar has been instructed to probe on the case. Talking to media persons he said, “After receiving the allegation that Sindhu Madhuri, daughter of late S Baburao, is alive and has obtained a death certificate from my office I have instructed the Kalimela Tehsildar to probe on the case and submit a factual report.”
He further added, “After getting the report if it is found that she is alive, strict action will be taken against erring staff.”
“We have to admit that the performance of the Congress in the Panchayat polls has been miserable. Lack of proper planning and strategy by the AICC leaders and the PCC leadership has cost the party dear,” Singh told media persons here today.
Asked about the swing of votes in favour of BJP in the ongoing polls, he said the people want alternative option as they are fed up with the utter failure of the ruling BJD. “It is obvious that the people have opted for BJP as their alternative choice realising that the Congress is in a bad shape in the state,” he pointed out.
Commenting on AICC leader and Odisha in-charge BK Hariprasad, the Sundargarh MLA requested the media persons not to utter his name.
Talking about the visit of his party colleague and Jharsuguda MLA Naba Das to Sundargarh district yesterday, Singh said Das is the real hero. “His commitment, accountability and dedication have made the people to repose their trust on him. In recognition of his efforts, Congress has come up with flying colours in Jharsuguda district and will form the Zilla Parishad. If you work for the people, they will acknowledge you. A leader will be a real star if he always thinks of his people,” he observed.
Asked about the performance of the Congress in the 4th phase polls, Singh said “There is no doubt that my party, especially in my constituency, will perform a hat-trick in three ZP zones.
Ram, who was suffering from heart problems and undergoing treatment at the nursing home, breathed his lat at 3.20 am.
Ram’s mortal remains were taken in a procession around Tangi town and brought to the Choudwar College for public to pay their last respects.
Ram was a two-time MLA from Tangi-Choudwar Assembly constituency.
The former MLAs, prepared themselves to be a leader at village level, have become the cynosure of all eyes. The reason of contesting for samiti member is the office of block chairman.
Brundaban Majhi, who was representing Kuchinda and Laikera Assembly constituency earlier and had become the Sambalpur zilla Parishad chairman, has now landed in the rural poll battle from Badamal panchayat. He expressed his aim to become the chairman of Kuchinda block.
"I have aimed at occupying the block chairman post. The reason behind it is to implement various government schemes in my block", Majhi said.
Similarly, former BJP MLA Padma Charan Haiburu is keen on gaining the post of block chairman. The Karanjia legislator in 2000 is contesting for Samiti member from Bigidhar panchayat under Thakurmunda block in Mayurbhanj district.
"It is clearly visible that a veteran leader would be the block chairman if he is elected as Samiti member", Haiburu said.
Another veteran leader Gopal Pujari had fought the Lok Sabha election during last general polls on Ama Odisha ticket. This time, he is contesting for Samiti member from Batabharandi panchayat of Umarkote block in Nabarangpur district with the same ambition.
"The residents of Batabharandi have required a chairman like Gopal Pujari. All are committed to make him the block chairman after ensuring his victory as Samiti member", he told OTV at campaign rally.
The crowned winners were felicitated by Tourism and Culture minister Ashok Panda and other dignitaries.
Jhuma Khatun and Man Singh were the winners in female and male category respectively in 21.1 km half marathon and were awarded Rs 100,000 each. Besides, awards worth Rs 9,14,000 (excluding applicable taxes) were given to winners in different categories in presence of Vishal Dev, secretary, Sports and Youth Services, Bhubaneswar MP Prasanna Patsani, Priyadarshi Mishra, MLA, Bhubaneswar (North), Bijaya Mohanty, MLA Bhubaneswar (Central).
Ollywood stars Sabyasachi Mishra, Archita Sahu and sports persons Anuradha Biswal and Sradhanjali Samantray were present.
The Kalinga stadium wore a festive look as thousands, clad in white and blue t-shirts, including senior government officers, corporate executives, students from various institutions and schools ran in different categories while the crowd cheered for them.
The Marathon covered a distance of 21.1 km on a revised route on the flyovers starting from Kalinga stadium and moving on to the National Highway through Jaydev Vihar past Khandagiri Square and returning via the same route, finally terminating at Kalinga Stadium. Tata Steel provided 5 ambulances and several water dispensing posts along the route to ensure the safety and comfort of all the runners. The Commissionerate of Police played a significant role in traffic management.
The half-marathon (21.1km) was flagged off at Kalinga Stadium in presence of Vishal Dev, TN Khuntia, DIG, CRPF Group Centre Bhubaneswar, Sunil Bhaskaran, Vice President, Corporate Services , Tata Steel; Arun Misra, Vice President, Project Gopalpur & MD, Tata Steel SEZ.
State-of-the-art technology consisting of timing mats and its control units, radio frequency identification (RFID) chips, split timing mats on route, tracking camera, wi-fi network on route as per international standard were used to ensure a world standard conduct of the half marathon.
All participants were given branded T shirts for participating in the race. The Kalinga stadium wore a festive with Tata Steel providing several on field entertainment with a live band and participation of Ollywood stars Sabyasachi Mishra and Archita Sahoo. A large electronic LED screen to post a ‘selfie’ with a personal message sling shot to the screen was a major attraction.
Addressing participants, Dev said, “I thank Tata Steel for initiating such a large-scale sports event, which brought together people from all across Bhubaneswar and outside for their love of running and sports. I look forward to many such grand sporting events.”
Speaking on the occasion Bhaskaran said, “Our aim is to make this one of the major running events in India and to see that over the years Bhubaneswar finds its spot among distance running in the country. Tata Steel is proud to bring this special sporting event in association with the State Sports and Youth Services department.”
Speaking on the occasion, Ghadai said, “Tata Steel always seeks to attain the welfare of the people and it is way ahead of other industries in carrying out CSR activities in Kalinganagar.”
Addressing the gathering, Sunil Bhaskaran, Vice President, Corporate Services, Tata Steel, said, “Tata Steel is committed to constructing 30 Adarsh Vidyalayas in Odisha. This was the first of those schools to be completed. I am thankful to the government, MLA and the local community for extending their support. I believe, this school will play a vital role in promotion of education in the area.”
Prasanta Mallick, GM, Corporate Services, Tata Steel, Kalinganagar, Manikant Naik, Chief Resident Executive, Tata Steel, Biren Ramesh Bhuta, Chief, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Tata Steel and Lalita Ray, chairman, Danagadi Block were present. Besides, members of the local community, local PRI members, school students, and government functionaries, officials of Tata Steel and media persons attended the function.
Tata Steel has spent about Rs 4.57 crore in the construction including the required furniture for the school. The two-storey school building having 25,000 square feet built-up area has been constructed by Jamshedpur Utilities and Services Company (JUSCO), a Tata Steel subsidiary company.
As part of its initiative to make quality education infrastructure available to students in far flung areas of the state, Tata Steel will set up 30 Adarsh Vidyalayas in Odisha among which nine will be in Jajpur district. This initiative of the steel major is part of the grand plan of the state government for setting up such Adarsh Vidyalaya in each Block of the state.
MLA Jogesh Singh jeered at Hariprasad and said 'Haria' is responsible for any such conflict among the leaders. "Haria (BK Hariprasad) is doing politics here and he is responsible for tussle among us. He does not know the art of strengthening organisation as he has never contested elections. The high command had sent him to Odisha to strengthen the base and resolve organisational issues amicably. But, he is doing the exact opposite", Singh said.
Backing the Sundergarh MLA, another law maker Prafulla Majhi also came down heavily on some senior leaders. Indirectly targeting Hariprasad-backed Prasad camp, he came down heavily on the top brass. "Some senior leaders are encouraging the intra-party squabble. Those who are creating fissure among the MLAs should be expelled at the earliest", Majhi said, adding the party should stay away from playing SC/ST card.
Reacting to the meeting of four MLAs with Rahul Gandhi, Majhi said the ongoing feud would adversely affect the party in the forthcoming panchayat polls.
"If he (Rahul Gandhi) had to discuss about the panchayat polls, why other legislators were not invited? If such disagreement continues, it would surely impact the party during panchayat polls", Singh rued.
Similarly, Opposition chief whip and fire brand leader Tara Prasad Bahinipati today again expressed that he is least concerned about what is happening and being told behind his back. "I do not bother, whoever goes to Delhi for meeting with high command. I do not inquire the reason of their meeting and do not want to collect information about it", Bahinipati said.
"I am not afraid of anything", he averred.
However, treasurer of the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) Mohammed Moquim, who accompanied the four legislators-Jacob Pradhan, Krushna Chandra Sagaria, Kailash Chandra Kulesika and Bhujabal Majhi- to the Congress scion in New Delhi, came to the defence of PCC president and AICC secretary.
"The high command only knows the reason of calling law makers to New Delhi. We all should respect the decision of party vice-president and work unitedly under the leadership of Prasad Harichandan", Moquim said.
He also advised the leaders to refrain from giving remarks against Congress before media.
Four MLAs-Jacob Pradhan, Krushna Chandra Sagaria, Kailash Chandra Kulesika and Bhujabal Majhi- reportedly pledged their support to state president Prasad Harichandan after meeting vice-president Rahul Gandhi two days ago.
General secretary of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), Odisha-in-charge, BK Hariprasad had claimed the MLAs discussed about the preparation for the upcoming panchayat polls with Rahul Gandhi.
They had also raised issues relating to increasing number of atrocities on SC and SC people in Kandhamal and Kalahandi districts by the ruling BJD leaders and workers, Hariprasad had clarified.
According to sources, the central probe agency has summoned the duo asking them to appear before it within two days.
Also read: AT chit fund scam: Five get conditional bail from HC
CBI had earlier quizzed Jena in connection with Seashore chit fund scam.
Sources said the CBI has got the evidence on the complicity of Jena and Laxmi Bilasini in their business with the Seashore Group.
The notice by the Central investigating agency, which came a day after the visit of BJP National President Amit Shah, has intensified speculations in the political circles.
Notably, the CBI, in course of its investigation, had come to know about the agreement signed between the Seashore Group and the state government to set up a number of projects. Later, it had interrogated former BJD heavyweight Pyari Mohan Mohapatra, Saroj Sahu, personal assistant of chief minister Naveen Patnaik and the political aide of minister Debi Prasad Mishra.
However, with the fresh notice served by the CBI on Jena and Laxmi Bilasini, accusations and counter accusations among the political parties have started.
“The normal procedure of the CBI is that it will not call any influential person until it has sufficient evidence. Since it has got evidence, it has asked the two persons to appear before it for interrogation and the BJP has nothing more to say about this,” BJP leader Prithviraj Harichandan said.
On the other hand, leader of the Opposition Narasingh Mishra said, the CBI is not proceeding with its investigation as expected. “Going by its mode of investigation, it seems that the Central investigation agency is not giving much emphasis to its investigation in this case due to some reasons,” he pointed out.
In his reaction, BJD spokesperson Amar Prasad Satpathy said let there be investigation. “But the CBI should investigate within its purview without any political compulsion and acrimony,” he added.
According to reports, Swain and the minister were on the way to attend the centenary celebration of a school at Karikol when some Youth Congress workers had a scuffle with the BJD workers near Athagarh Town Police Station and showed black flags to both the leaders.
Following the incident, police rushed to the spot and whisked away the agitating Youth Congress workers and detained five of them.
Asked about the incident, Athagarh MLA Ranendra Pratap Swain said he stays in his home constituency 25 days in a month. “I am not bothered about anyone who shows me black flag, broom. To my knowledge, I have not seen anyone showing black flag to me today,” he said.
Without naming Congress workers, Swain said may be the opposition members may have shown black flag to him after the rally. Since they belong to the opposition, they might have done this for publicity.
He said the support for the BJD in Athagarh has gone up further which was evident as thousands of people joined the event today.
The Urban Development minister said “Neither I have heard nor seen anyone showing black flag to me. If someone has done this behind me, it will be not proper to comment on this”.
Talking to newsmen here, Routray stated, “When the legislator came to know that a house was built in the middle of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, he reached the place and made the reaction. As no big issue has happened between the officer and the MLA, the same can be resolved amicably between them at their level.”
The Revenue Minister added, “If a house is built in the middle of the road in the village, who should be blamed for that when the local administration exists.”
He also gave a kind of clean-chit to Jagadev by saying that the legislator had not thrown the lantern at the Tehsildar with an intention to hurt.
On the other hand, the Begunia Tehsildar said, “In the house lighting the lantern the couple was staying alert and such situation no one can demoslish the house. But the MLA reached there and beaten up the couple with the lantern. I was hurt while he threw the lantern before returning from the house.”
Meanwhile, the Begunia Tehsildar lodged a complaint at the local police station against the legislator. The OAS officers’ association also demanded a high-level inquiry into the allegation that the incident occurred due to lapses of the Tehsildar.
Also read: Assault on Tehsildar: Complaint filed against BJD MLA
Saroj Samal, president, the State OAS Officers’ Association, said, “As the woman officer has filed an FIR at the police station, the ball is in police court.”
In a related development, supporters of the Begunia MLA submitted a memorandum to the Revenue Minister urging him to take action against the Tehsildar.
The incident took place when Dey was on his way to Simulia from Bhubaneswar. The car in which he was travelling lost control and plunged into a canal on NH 16 near Simulia College. Local residents rescued the ex-legislator and rushed him to hospital.
The villagers prevented the MLA from entering their area following which the supporters of Swain clashed with them. A woman was injured in the fight. Police forces have been deployed in the village to control the mob.
The protesters alleged irregularities in distribution of PDS commodities and rejection of gram sabha after declaration. The residents also said that the village puja committee had completed the construction of goddess Jagulai temple, but the bill is yet to be cleared.
If the demands are not met at the earliest, the MLA would be shown black flag. Eggs and tomatoes will also be hurled at him in future, a banner put at the protesting site read.
According to sources, some locals showed black flag and shouted slogans against Behera while the legislator was on a padyatra to offer garland to Gopabandhu statue located at Baliapatna.
Though the identity of the persons who showed black flag to the MLA is unknown, it is suspected that they are some unsatisfied workers of the ruling party.
When asked about the development, the MLA said, “No one in the party is unhappy. The persons who showed flag are not BJD members.”
Also read: Steel Minister shown black flags in Sundargarh
It’s worthwhile to mention here that the legislator was shown black flag at Balianta few days ago.
The strike has been withdrawn after the MLAs have agreed to apprise the government of nurses’ demands, said association secretary Prabhati Mohanty.
Health services at all district headquarters hospitals, the State-run medical colleges across the State was affected for quite sometimes as the members of the association staged sit-in at their respective work places across the State pressing for their three-point charter of demands.
Their demands include regularising staff nurses working under National Health Mission, regularising the nurses of all categories who have completed six years in service and hike of their basic pay from Rs 5200 to Rs 9300 along with a grade pay of Rs 4200.
According to sources, the interrogation process will begin from October 3.
Patra and her brother Sanjay, both formerly managers to Parala King Gopinath Gajapati Narayan Deo and the royal estate, were found dead in their home in Paralakhemundi along with another sister Bijaylaxmi on August 21.
While three including Anang had died after consuming poison, another brother Tulu Patra, rescued in a critical condition from the spot, died in the following day at the MKCG medical college and hospital in Berhampur.
Talking to media persons later, Archarya’s counsel Sidharth Das said the bail plea of the MLA was heard by a single bench judge Justice D Das.
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“Argument was made on behalf of the petitioner on the allegations against Acharya under sections 307 (attempt to murder) and 506 (criminal intimidation). Though there were allegations that the stones were pelted at the Union minister, no one was injured and no medical examination was conducted. Prayer was made that since section 307 is not applicable to this case it cannot be considered as an attempt to murder. The court admitted our contention and granted anticipatory bail to Acharya. The court directed the police not to arrest the MLA after his release on bail”, Das added.
Notably, the convoy of the Union minister was attacked by a group of workers of the ruling BJD workers while he was on his way to address a function in Bargarh on June 24. The BJD workers also showed black flags to the Union minister and ransacked the his car though Gangwar escaped unhurt.
The incident was vehemently protested by the BJP who alleged that Acharya had mobilsed his party men to create vandalism.
On June 27, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had ordered an RDC inquiry into the incident.
Acting on the direction, Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC), Northern Division Bhaskarjyoti Sharma had submitted his probe report to the Home department on August 31.
Notably, complaints were lodged against many people, including the local MLA, by Amulya Patra, the brother of the former manager of the king’s palace, and his sister at the Paralakhemundi police station blaming them for the death of their siblings.
While police are investigating into the case, MLA Rao filed an anticipatory bail plea at the High Court apprehending arrest by the police on basis of the complaint. The matter is likely to be taken up soon by the HC.
Notably, Amulya Patra and his sister had on August 22 filed complaints against many persons, including MLA Rao, former president of the BJD Gajapati district unit Basant Das, former Congress Town president Basant Panda, BJP district president G Ravana, Congress leader Smruti Ranjan Mohapatra and youth leader Debi Prasad Das in connection with the quadruple deaths.