Bhubaneswar: Kalahandi district has been placed under a massive security blanket ahead of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s visit.
Fearing protests and trouble from the Opposition BJP and Congress, police are not taking any chances and have detained several BJP activists. At least 25 platoons of police have been deployed in Bhawanipatna, where Naveen will attend a function, to ensure the CM’s visit passes off smoothly.
The CM will launch the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) smart cards. Besides, Patnaik will unveil development projects worth Rs 600 crore during his visit.
The CM will get down at Agriculture University campus where he will launch the smart card distribution. About 250 people will attend the function. This is Naveen’s first visit to Kalahandi district, which is likely to be short and last about half an hour. He will return to Bhubaneswar straight from the venue.
Minister of State for Home Dibya Shankar Mishra, in the eye of a political storm, will be among four ministers likely to share the dais with Naveen at the programme in Bhawanipatna.
Other ministers who will share the stage with the CM are Minister for Women and Child Development Tukuni Sahu, Minister for Health and Family Welfare Naba Kishore Das and Finance Minister Niranjan Pujari.
Leader of the Opposition Pradipta Kumar Naik and Kalahandi MP Basanta Panda won’t attend the programme. “Despite allegations against Minister Dibya Shankar Mishra, no action has been taken; will not attend any programme where Mishra is invited,” Panda said.
Ministers and MLAs have been entrusted to distribute the cards in different blocks, panchayats and urban local bodies of the district.
In the days leading up to the CM’s visit, the BJP and Congress have been protesting in the district and across the state, demanding the resignation of Mishra, accusing him of complicity in the Mamita Meher murder case. Mamita, a school teacher, was from Kalahandi district.
Mishra, who represents Junagarh constituency in Kalahandi district, has faced protests during public tours of the district to oversee arrangements for Naveen’s visit.
On Sunday, the BJD organised a meeting in Junagarh. But when Mishra and party secretary (organisation) Pranab Prakash Das were on way, BJP activists hurled eggs at them.
Not taking chances, police have thrown a massive security blanket in the district for Naveen’s visit.
Oppn protests
Seeking justice for Mamita, the BJP on Monday staged a black flag protest at MSA Chhak in Bhawanipatna. Activists raised “Naveen, Go Back” slogans ahead of the CM’s visit. Several protesters have been detained by police.
In Bhubaneswar, the BJP staged a massive rally from Rajmahal Chhak to Naveen Niwas protesting the CM’s visit to Kalahandi. Massive security arrangements are in place near Sishu Bhawan. Protesters also burnt effigies of Naveen and Mishra.
The Congress has called for a ‘Janata Curfew’ in Kalahandi on Monday. “I request the people of Kalahandi to observe janata curfew for about an hour on November 8 during Naveen’s meeting in the district,” senior Congress leader and former MP Bhakta Das said on Friday while demanding the ouster and arrest of Mishra.
Naveen’s last two visits to Mayurbhanj and Jharsuguda districts saw violence over protests by BJP and Congress activists demanding Mishra’s resignation.
