Members of the Utkal Gandhi Smarak Nidhi on Thursday urged Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik not to allow construction of the proposed 25-storey multi-complex Ekamra Tower in the premises of the Odisha Khadi and Village Industries Board (OKVIB) here in view of its glorious link with the freedom struggle. In a letter to the Chief Minister, noted freedom fighter Bhabani Charan Patnaik and Smark Nidhi president Prahalad Kumar Singh said the OKVIB premises has witnessed and inspired the freedom struggle, and has stood as the strong base of the nation building since Independence movement. Former Chief Ministers from Nabakrushna Choudhury to Janaki Ballav Patnaik have contributions for the OKVIB.
“A conspiracy is on to build a corporate hub “Ekamra Tower” by demolishing structures in the OKVIB premises. Its bright example is that construction of the proposed six-story Gramodyoga Bhvan, for which you had laid foundation stone, is being delayed,” they appraised the CM. They urged Patnaik to keep his decision taken on May 3 that not a single brick would be demolished and ensure safe keeping of the OKVIB properties from the conspirators.