42 Sarpanchs On Hunger Strike Against BDO In Odisha’s Balasore

Bhubaneswar: The sarpanchs’ protest against BDOs seems to be spreading to different districts in Odisha. Even as 19 sarpanchs of Telkoi block in Keonjhar district unitedly tendered their resignations on Friday, those of Baliapal block in Balasore continued their hunger strike demanding transfer of the BDO.

As many as 42 sarpanches and 56 Panchayat Samiti members have been sitting on a hunger strike in front of the block office at Baliapal since Monday in protest against interference of the BDO in their affairs.

They alleged that BDO Binod Chandra Panda was carrying out development works without consultation with them. “As people’s representatives, we understand the problems at the grassroots level. We are answerable to the people. But the BDO has been doing the works as per his convenience without even informing us,” said president of Sarpanch Sangh Jagannath Biswal.

“We want the government officials to respect the Panchayati Raj law. The works in the block should be done as per the law,” he added.

The sarpanchs also alleged that the district collector was not taking any action against the BDO despite several complaints against him.

Refuting the allegations, the BDO said he had tried to resolve the matter by holding discussion with the Zilla Parishad chairman. But he did not respond to the suggestion, he added.

Balasore Collector Dattatreya Bhausaheb Shinde said since the state government can transfer an OAS officer, he was helpless. However, steps were being taken to solve the problem through discussion with the sarpanchs, he added.

It may be noted that 19 sarpanchs of Telkoi block in Keonjhar resigned from their posts on Friday. They alleged that government officials including the BDO were spending the funds meant for the panchayats without consulting the elected representatives of panchayats.

Also Read: 19 Sarpanchs Tender Joint Resignation In Odisha’s Keonjhar