Opposition Creates Ruckus In CMC Council Meet Over Corruption In Cuttack Bali Yatra Contracts

Cuttack: Alleging large scale corruption and lack of development works, the opposition councillors created a ruckus in the council meeting of the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) on Tuesday.

The councillors of BJP and Congress stalled the proceedings stating that the CMC favoured a particular agency in awarding contracts during the Bali Yatra which reflected embezzlement of funds by the BJD councillors. “We had demanded an audit into the contracts. But the council did not heed our demand,” said Congress councillor Santosh Bhola.

Another councillor alleged that the perennial problem of waterlogging, drainage and mosquito menace that have been plaguing the city since long remain unaddressed despite drawing the attention of the council several times. “When we raised the issues in the meeting, the ruling BJD concillors tried to silence us through their majority,” he said.

The opposition councillors apprehended that these problems will worsen in the monsoon season ahead and demanded urgent steps in this regard.

Refuting the allegations of the opposition councillors, Cuttack mayor Subash Singh said they have the habit of disrupting the meeting of the council.

“The agency against whom the opposition is raising objection was awarded the contract through tenders. If any irregularity is detected, necessary action would be taken. Besides, an audit is already underway regarding the tender works during Bali Yatra,” Singh said.