The BJP hit out at the BJD functionaries and an MlA for holding various programmes in Rourkela on April 21 when former Chief Minister JB Patnaik died and the Government had declared State mourning and a holiday for the day.
Rourkela MlA Dilip Ray’s spokesperson and BJP leader Ramesh Bal criticised the Rourkela district administration, Municipal administration, BJD leaders and a MlA for holding a number of Government programmes. In a statement, Bal alleged that while Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressing his grief on the demise of JB declared holiday on the same day, defying his order the Rourkela Municipal Corporation Commissioner DP Mohapatra, Raghunathpali BJD MlA Subrat Tarai, Rourkela BJD president Ananda Mohanty and other BJD leaders were holding a Government programme distributing pension to the beneficiaries at Bhanja Bhawan. Bal demanded a public apology from the violators.
On the other hand, the Municipal administration clarified the programme was already scheduled beforehand and the poor beneficiaries from different parts had already rushed to the spot. That is why after only holding a condolence meeting, the programme was held.
Besides, another review meeting on Transport City was held involving various stakeholders at Municipal Commissioner’s Chamber under the Chairmanship of Rourkela ADM K Sudarshan Chakraborty, Bal lamented.