Bhubaneswar: Public anger is mounting in Odisha's flood-affected Ganjam district, with a state minister and two BJP MLAs facing protests from residents over alleged delays in relief distribution and the restoration of essential services.
The protests took place amid continuing hardships following heavy rainfall triggered by Cyclone Arnab, which caused flooding in several parts of southern Odisha.
On Saturday, October 31, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallick faced angry villagers during his visit to Nuagada village in Sorada block. Residents alleged that they had not received adequate relief materials, including food grains, despite repeated appeals for assistance.
The minister asked the concerned Block Development Officer (BDO) and tehsildar to make necessary arrangements for the affected families. He also acknowledged complaints regarding delays in restoring electricity and water connections, assuring residents that the issues would be addressed.
The situation also turned tense in Kumari village under Purushottampur Notified Area Council, where Khallikote BJP MLA Purna Chandra Sethy faced strong opposition from local residents. As soon as his vehicle arrived, villagers surrounded it and raised slogans, alleging that relief materials had not reached their families despite repeated requests.
The protest reportedly escalated into pushing and jostling. Security personnel and local officials intervened and escorted the MLA to safety. Sethy left the area without sustaining any injuries. He later described the incident as a minor one. The New Indian Express +1
Meanwhile, Aska MLA Saroj Padhi also faced public resentment during his visit to Sunambasahi village. Residents intercepted his vehicle over complaints about relief distribution, forcing him to turn back without entering the locality. The New Indian Express
The protests came a day after Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena and Minister Gokulananda Mallick reportedly faced angry residents in Hinjili. Their visits also drew complaints about the slow restoration of essential services and inadequate relief arrangements. PTIFeed +1
Opposition parties have criticised the state government's response to the disaster. A Biju Janata Dal (BJD) delegation led by opposition chief whip Pramila Mallik visited affected areas in Chikiti, Patrapur, Hinjili and Sheragada. The delegation alleged that people were struggling to access cooked food, dry rations and safe drinking water.
The Congress also criticised the government's disaster management efforts. Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Bhakta Charan Das questioned the administration's response, alleging that aerial surveys alone could not address the problems faced by affected communities.
The state government, however, maintained that relief and restoration operations were progressing. Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena said village roads had largely been reopened after repair work and that assistance was reaching affected residents. PTIFeed
The floods have affected several parts of Ganjam and Gajapati districts following heavy rainfall associated with Cyclone Arnab. Residents continue to demand drinking water, electricity, food supplies, drainage of accumulated water and timely rehabilitation.
The repeated protests have highlighted the challenges facing the administration as it attempts to restore normal life in the cyclone-affected areas.
Reader Comments 0