The demand for IIM at Rourkela gained momentum on Saturday with Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram and Rourkela BJP MlA Dilip Ray joining the dharna which had been staged by the Sachetan Nagarika Manch (SNM) at the ADM office here since November 14.
Both the leaders expressed their solidarity to the SNM’s move stating that Rourkela is the most suitable location for the proposed IIM, Odisha. They informed the agitating members that they have already talked to Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani regarding the demand.
Informing that the venue selection for the premier institute depends on the State Government, Oram and Ray suggested to the SNM members to withdraw the dharna and form a bigger forum named IIM Coordination Committee involving representatives of all political parties, trade unions, students’ organizations and other social bodies.
Accepting the proposal, the SNM withdrew their dharna and finally decided to intensify the agitation in wider forum at a joint party meeting held at Hotel Solace on Sunday.
Both the BJP stalwarts and SNM members welcomed the State Government’s decision of according corporation status to Rourkela at the outset of the meeting. But, they expressed deep concern for not including Hamirpur, luakera, Tumkela and Tilkanagar in the corporation area.
Among others, SNM president Bhabagrahi Mohapatra, working president AP Biswal, general secretary PP Ray, lopamudra Mohanty, Sradha Sarangi, Anasuya Panda and Pradosh Mohanty were present.