The recent telecast of an audiotape in a TV channel in which the conversation between an alleged follower of Banki MlA and Government Chief Whip in the Assembly Pravat Tripathy and tainted Artha Tatwa CMD Pradip Sethi is now an issue of hot debate regarding Banki politics.
The tape, the authenticity of which is still under scrutiny, claimed that Tripathy’s supporter ‘Ashsish’ was impliedly asking Sethi for financial assistance for the Banki Mahotsav organised by Tripathy in his constituency.
Different wings of the opposition Congress have begun staging rallies and dharnas in the constituency alleging that what is indicated in the audiotape is a shame for Banki.
Over 300 Congress members under the leadership of Banki Vidhan Sabha Yuva Congress president Biswaranjan Panda, vice-president Smruti lenka and Damapada Block Congress president Bhabani Prasad Dhal on Sunday went in a procession from the party office to the Sub-Collector's office at Banki shouting slogans against Tripathy and accusing him of bringing stigma for the region.
The Congress leaders presented a memorandum to the Governor through the Sub-Collector demanding Tripathy’s ouster from the State Assembly.