High drama unfolded at a Zilla Parishad (ZP) meeting in Balangir district on Thursday when Kantabanji MLA Santosh Singh Saluja lashed out at Collector Chanchal Rana accusing the bureaucrat of slashing welfare funds meant for his constituency.
The Collector has violated the 5T guidelines and taking measures arbitrarily, he alleged.
The incident took place at the conference hall of the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) office, a video of which went viral on social media.
The visibly angry lawmaker was seen asking the Collector as to why funds were being cut for Kantabanji. The Collector tried to pacify the MLA but in vain.
“An allocation of Rs 120 crore is made under the Biju KBK Yojana. However, the Collector has been diverting the funds to other blocks by violating guidelines,” Saluja said.
Asked to comment on Saluja’s allegation and the high drama in the meeting, Collector Rana remarked, "A people's representative has a right to express his opinion and in his own style.”
When asked further on the allegation of violation of Biju KBK guidelines and deduction of funds, Rana said. "Under the Biju KBK project, proposals are first approved in a District Planning meeting and then approved by the Government. MP or MLA is not the only public representatives. If we receive any significant proposal for development even from ward member, it would be given due importance."
Asked to comment on the delay in holding the Zilla Parishad meetings, the Collector said, "It is the Chairman of Zilla Parishad who decides when to hold a meeting and where and not the Collector."