JAGATSINGHPUR: Internal conflict in the local unit of BJD has cast a cloud over projects under Ama Gaon, Ama Vikas programme in Tirtol Assembly segment. Uncertainty looms over selection of different rural projects in Raghunathpur and Biridi blocks due to differences between elected representatives of BJD. Factions have been created in the ruling party in almost all panchayats of the two blocks due to conflict between local MLA Rajashree Mallick and district president of BJD Bishnu Das.
Raghunathpur Sarpanch Pramod Kumar Jena and his counterparts of eight other panchayats have alleged that the Block Development Officer (BDO) has not invited them to the preparatory meeting of the rural outreach programme for selection of projects under the direction of MLA Mallick.Sarpanchs of 10 panchayats, who are supporters of the local MLA, have submitted their list of projects on July 10 to the BDO. However, the rest nine panchayats have been ignored, he claimed.
The elected representatives of nine panchayats have submitted a memorandum to the district Collector in this regard. Agitation will be launched if the left-out panchayats are not involved in selection of rural projects, warned Jena.“After receiving our complaint, Raghunathpur BDO Panchanan Pattayat has invited us to the meeting on July 20 for submission of project lists through a message on WhatsApp,” Jena added.
A similar situation prevails in Biridi block after BDO Paresh Nayak cancelled the preparatory meeting to finalise different projects at the last moment on Monday allegedly due to Mallick’s pressure. Irked over the development, Sarpanchs of several panchayats have vowed to intensify protest.
Sarpanch of Hajipur panchayat Bimal Kumar Sethy alleged that the meeting for selection of projects was cancelled under the direction of Mallick. Sarpanchs of Opposition parties are also being ignored and not allowed to submit their list of projects, Sethy said.“Elected representatives from Opposition parties, who are not being involved in the programme, will soon launch a protest,” said Ukundra Sarpanch Chandrasekhar Das.
Earlier this year, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had launched Ama Gaon, Ama Vikas programme to reach out to people in rural areas and involve them in the development process. The State Government has directed all DRDA Project Directors and BDOs to finalise projects in each panchayat after discussion with villagers and elected representatives.