Transporters have alleged a nexus of local MLA Meenakshi Mahanta with iron ore companies as latter bolstered by support have been exploiting truck and dumper owners. Some years ago, when Sanatan Mahakud was MLA of Champua, the Mining Area Truck Owners’ Association (MATOA) was established to look after interest of local lorry owners.Accordingly, companies like Rungta and others were making payments to lorry owners as per diesel price and everything was going on smoothly. But situation changed after the ownership of those iron companies was acquired by new owners like JSW, Mittal, Kashvi International and others by highest bids in auction. It is alleged that new owners didn't honour agreement signed during Mahakud time and went on paying lower transporting rate although diesel price was going up. Previously, Mahakud was trying to amicably settle amount when there was a dispute. This time, the lorry owners had also gone to MLA Mahanta whose name was recommended by Mahakud to contest the election in BJD ticket last time. But request of the MATOA was turned down. The MATOA is sitting on a dharna since September 14 protesting injustice to them. However, a law and order situation occurred when some people led by Mahendra Mohanty , close aid of Bhakta Mahanta who is husband of the Champua MLA, tried to create disturbance in the strike by assaulting the members of the MATOA. An FIR has been lodged in the name of Bhakta Mahanta , Mahendra
Mohanty, Babina Satpathy, Lambu Giri, all said to be close supporters of MLA Meenakshi. The members of MATOA alleged that the MLA had a hidden agreement with the iron companies.