JAGATSINGHPUR: The dawn to dusk Ersama bandh on Saturday, called by supporters of Paradip MLA Damodar Rout, protesting dismantling of stage set up by members of Sahegharia Erasama Puja Committee to celebrate Ravana Podi on Friday, evoked spontaneous response from locals.
While the district administration had denied permission to Rout’s supporters to hold the event at Anchalika Yuva Parishad ground in Erasama, that was to be attended by the MLA, it allowed Rout’s arch rival Prashant Muduli’s supporters to organise Ravana Podi at the same ground on Saturday.
Owing to the bandh call, shops were closed at Ersama Bazaar. Rout’s supporters, led by former panchayat samiti chairman Debendra Tripathy, staged road blockade by burning tyres in protest against the administration's move and requested people not to attend Ravana Podi organised by Muduli’s supporters.
On Friday, the district administration dismantled the stage set for Ravana Podi function at Anchalika Yuva Parishad ground. Rout had been attending the event for the last 25 years. On the other hand, the administration granted permission to supporters of BJD Ersama MLA Prashant Muduli to hold the ritual at the same ground on Saturday.
Ersama police station IIC Pradyumna Kishore Behera said permission to perform Ravana Podi by members of Sahegharia Ersama Puja Committee was denied to avert any law and order problem. Meanwhile, five platoons of police force have been deployed at Anchalika Yuva Parishad ground for the event.