The war between Jharsuguda Congress MlA Naba Kisore Das and his political rival in BJD and Western Odisha Development Corporation (WODC) Chairman Kishore Kumar Mohanty refuses to subside with the former upping the ante against Mohanty over ‘whimsical’ functioning of the WODC.
After Das-led opposition MlAs from the region raised their voice against irregularities in functioning of WODC and moved the Governor of Odisha over the issue, the Congress PRI functionaries have now filed complaints over the issue at various police stations in the district.
Addressing media over the issue on Saturday evening, Das said that foundation stones are being laid and work executed by WODC without administrative approval. While uncertainty hangs over the completion of the projects, he said that the projects suggested by the elected PRI members after eliciting public views and opinion are overlooked.
Accusing the WODC Chairman of violating norms and flouting guidelines, he said that all the projects smacks of political motive. Charging Mohanty of hoodwinking and fleecing people for personal and pecuniary gain, he demanded resignation of Mohanty. To strengthen the accusation leveled by Das against Mohanty, the Kolabira Panchayat Samity led by its Chairperson,Chairman Jharsuguda Panchayat Samiti and Vice Chairman Kirmira Block also filed complaints in the respective police stations over the issue.
Reminding that it was former Prime Minister of India P V Narshima Rao who had initiated WODC to remove regional imbalances, Das said that rather than regional imbalances the WODC is being used for political gain.
He said that it is unfortunate that the WODC Chairman is inaugurating projects and laying foundation stones without inviting elected legislators despite the fact that he has been rejected by the people of Jharsuguda Assembly segment twice in a row. He warned of protest in case Mohanty does not change his stance and activity.