OJM rally postponed

 Odisha Jana Morcha (OJM) chairman and rebel leader Pyarimohan Mohapatra on Sunday announced that the Morcha’s rally, which was scheduled to be held on March 22 either at Berhampur or Hinjili, has been postponed as the district administration is denying a place under pressure from the Chief Minister’s office (CMO).

 “Instructions have gone from the CMO to the district administration not to allow the Morcha to hold a meeting either at Berhampur or Hinjili,” Pyarimohan told mediapersons at his residence here.

 Pyarimohan said as the OJM has approached the High Court on the issue, it will wait for its direction. The Morcha leader said two grounds at Berhampur were found suitable for the rally. The first one was the ground of  Khallikote College. The Principal was not opposed to  holding the rally but he went on leave after the Morcha approached him, he said.

 The next ground was that of Jagannath Temple Trust. Though chairman of the trust initially agreed, he backed out later, Pyarimohan said and alleged that there was a design in all these developments.

 As a ground for the rally was not available in Berhampur, the OJM decided to hold it in Hinjili. The Headmaster of Brundaban Vidyapeeth there had given the permission, but the Sub-Collector did not allow on the ground that it had already been allotted.

 On inquiry, it was found that the ground was allotted for ‘Bhagabat Parayan’ from March 24, Pyarimohan said and added that there would not have been any difficulty if the rally is organised there on March 22.

 He said these developments will be brought to the notice of the High Court before the next hearing of the case.

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