BJD workers ‘attack’ BJP delegation visiting Nagada

Bhubaneswar: A delegation of state BJP team led by former chief minister Giridhar Gamang was allegedly attacked by BJD workers during its visit to Nagada village in Jajpur district on Thursday for spot assessment of malnutrition deaths.
Speaking to media, BJP state unit vice-president Sameer Mohanty claimed that BJD workers blocked the road at Sukinda and Kaliapani and prevented the vehicles carrying the delegation from proceeding ahead.
“The state government should clarify why the BJP team was obstructed on its way to Nagada, which hogged headlines after 20 children die due to malnutrition, when officials claims that the situation has changed,” he added.
After visiting Nagada, Gamang said hunger and malnutrition still prevails among Juanga tribe despite the government’s tall claims of measures being taken to develop the village.
“Rice and salt continue to be their staple diet while they forced to consume contaminated water. Health services continue to elude them,” he said.
The team decided to visit the area after the death of a two-year-old girl due to malaria, he added.
BJP district unit president Asutosh Parida said only a motorable road has been constructed during the last one year with DMF funds provided by the central government.