Dama-Prasant Faceoff Hots up Ravan Podi Politics in Ersama

Jagatsinghpur: Palpable tension prevails at Ersama of Odisha’s Jagatsinghpur district following a showdown between the supporters of Balikuda-Ersama MLA, Prasant Muduli and expelled BJD leader Damodar Rout over Ravana Podi at the Anchalika Yuva Parishad ground.

According to reports, Paradip MLA Damodar Rout had been conducting the event in the said area since the last 35 years. However, this year, the district administration did not allow him and gave permission to Muduli for the same.

Tension ran high n Friday when the district administration removed the podium meant for Dama at the venue in the presence of the police.

Asked about the action taken by the district administration, a senior official said that as Prasant Muduli had sought the permission earlier, the district administration decided to allow him to conduct the Ravan Podi. But he did not say anything about the removal of the podium meant for Dama.

Meanwhile, protesting against the incident, the Ersama Gramya Committee on Saturday called for a 24-hour bandh. Following the bandh call, all trading establishments at Ersama remained closed while supporters of Dama urged the district administration to cancel the Ravana Podi.

Talking to mediapersons on Saturday, Jagatsinghpur SP R Prakash said efforts are on for the smooth conduct of Ravana Podi.

Talking about the incident, he said the police had called the supporters of both the groups for an amicable solution two days ago, but in vain.

“Today, some people had tried to close the shops and other trading establishments in Ersama market. Till now, some trading establishments are closed while some are kept open. We are closely monitoring the situation. As a precautionary measure, two platoons of armed police have been deployed in the area in the presence of the SDPO and the magistrate,” the SP added.