The BJP and BJD came to a confrontation mode during their rallies here. While BJP alleged corruption by BJD in allocation of works for the Kalinga Baliyatra, the BJD slammed the BJP of trying to sabotage the preparation for the fest. Both the party workers gave slogans against each other and pelted water bottles and stones. The police rushed to the spot and took control of the situation. The BJP brought allegations of monopoly against the BJD in the affairs of the Paradip Municipality and irregularities in allocation of works by the civic body for the upcoming Kalinga Baliyatra Mahotsav in the port city of Paradip.
Accusing the BJD of the same, the saffron party activists are protesting in front of the Paradip Municipality office by the leadership of BJP leader Sampad Swain and Bibhuprasad Tarai since six days since Friday.
On the other hand, refuting the allegations, thousands of BJD workers and Councillors took out an awareness rally in the town on Monday regarding the development works and achievements namely 'Maha Pragati' of Paradip Municipality.
The BJD leaders said that as the Kalinga Baliyatra is being organised by the Jagatsinghpur district administration, the party has nothing to do with it. Paradip BJD secretary cum chairman of Paradip Municipality Basant Biswal said this is a plan of the BJP to stop the historic Kalinga Baliyatra in Paradip.
Meanwhile, the proceedings of the Baliyatra seem to have slowed down. But for the success of the festival, some social and cultural organisations like Paradip Nagarika Manch, Aawhan Combines, Nuabazar Youth Association, Balijhara Youth Council, Sagar Club, Samrat Club, Paradip Artist Club appealed BJP to withdraw their strike and cooperate for the success of the festival.