BJP leaders and workers on Thursday protested 5T Secretary VK Pandian’s visit to Jagatsinghpur district by releasing black balloons and wearing black dresses.

The protesters released the balloons into sky while Pandian was arriving by a helicopter. The protests were staged by members of BJP Yuva Morcha and BJP Mahila Morcha at Paradip, Kujang and Rahama. They also raised “Pandian Go Back” slogan.

In Kujang, women members of the BJP took out a rally. In Paradip, BJP workers resorted to picketing in front of the ADM’s office.

The BJP has been accusing the 5T Secretary of being involved in political activities, announcing projects and addressing public gatherings with speeches having political overtones.

BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi and BJP State president Manmohan Samal had earlier written to Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, in this regard.

The Centre’s Department of Personnel & Training has written to the Odisha Chief Secretary to take ‘appropriate action’ against the 5T Secretary on the basis of the complaint filed by the two BJP leaders.

However, BJD leader Prasanna Acharya has refuted the allegations of the BJP.

“The Chief Minister holds the authority in decision-making and it is his responsibility to designate tasks to individuals. This does not indicate a relinquishment of the Chief Minister’s power but rather the allocation of specific responsibilities to party members and government officials. The CM possesses the Constitutional right to assign any government official with relevant tasks. Additionally, the CM has instructed Ministers and the Chief Secretary to engage with the public directly. Instead of making baseless allegations, the Opposition should also focus on serving the people,” said Acharya.