nurse was gangraped on Sital Sasti night

Sambalpur police have failed to arrest the accused persons in the much-talk nurse gang rape case that occurred at horadjore nulla near Jayantpur on NH 6 under Sadar police station, outskirts of the town on the Friday night, even after 48 hours of the incident.

the incident occured While Sambalpur was in a festive mood with a gathering of more than a lakh people on the eve of Sital Sasti Yatra. the victim girl, a nurse was gang raped by 6 persons on the way to her Sambalpur to witness the festival. The police rushed to the spot and seized one of the bike used by the accused persons. The police registered a case sending the victim for medical examination.“Since we have seized the bike belongs to the accused persons it would be easier for us to identify the accused. Investigation is on to nab the accused. However due to deployment in the festival duty some delay has been occurred in identifying the accused persons”, Sambalpur SDPO Dilip Kumar Deo told.

“The accused persons had dragged her to the Maltijore nulla bed on NH 6 near Jayantpur after obstructing the bike she was coming with her cousin and raped her brutally. However she could not remember how many persons had raped her as she was senseless after they physically assaulted her on her protect, Mr. Deo said quoting the victim.
Police said, the victim, a staff nurse in a Burla based private nursing home had come to Sambalpur to witness the famous Sital Sasti Yatra on Friday. While going with her cousin on a bike she was chased by the 6 accused persons in three motor cycles. Near Jayantpur on Sambalpur-Deogarh road they obstructed her bike and took her to near by horadjore nulla river bed. They also beat her cousin when he tried to protect their inhuman act.

Police got informed when the man ran from the spot and went to the Sadar police station with the help of some of the local villagers. The accused persons left the place in two motor cycles leaving one at the spot after seeing the police. “We immediately rushed to the spot after receiving information about the incident from the man came along with few local villagers. But accused persons had already left the place seeing police vehicle .” an officer of Sadar police station told .“The victim girl was examined medically and admitted in a nursing home. We are not sure about the number of accused raped her. We will know it after getting the medical report”, he added.

It may be informed the incident has once again refreshed the memory of the gang-rape incident that occurred in February last year on a girl student of Sambalpur University who was raped in three various places of the town.

obscenty during divine union raises eye brows on Sital Sasti

It is a divine union, a fanatical invocation of devotees surrounded by blasting of music and fascinated dancers with a cultural extravaganza. This is in short, is the new version of the Sital Sasti festival that concludes on Saturday after hectic street procession of devine couple. Celebrating the devine union of Lord Shiva with goddess Parvati, as the mobile stages carrying the dancers and folk artists passes across the street, Sambalpur takes a carnival looks.

But over the past the invasion of skin-show-dancers from country’s southern part to the festival has raised eye brows of many. To add glamour in the festival, professional dancers performing provoking dances are encouraged by the Yatra committees forgetting its impact on the community. The revealing attire and vulgar may increase applaud among the cheerful-crowd gathered around the stage but the obscenity and vulgarity have certainly caused harm to the younger generation. The seniors of the society as well as the district administration how ever make a murmur on the growing nudity that feel religious festival should be left pious. “I do not feel wise to recommend such vulgarity during Sital Sasti as I feel it is a religious function. The committee members should try to clean the atmosphere to make the festival more attractive” retired professor K C Panda opined. .
On the other hand the issue of vulgarity has prompted the members of the Joint coordination committee of the Sital Sasti festival to have ‘dress code’ for the dancers to minimize the vulgarity. .
“It is a part of the age-old tradition which can not be changed overnight. Still we have decided to have proper attention on the dresses of the dancers. Every Yatra committee will prescribe a ‘dress code’ for their artists. However we have already stopped ‘Bai nacha’ and in their place we have introduced album artists. We have also decided to give more thrust on the folk and traditional dances in coming years”, the general secretary of the joint coordination committee Anupam Mishra told
Sources said, Sital Sasti Yatra is an age-old traditional festival that is based on the marriage ceremony of Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati. The entire process of the ceremony is done as per local tradition and custom. During the festival Lord Shiva goes on Barat to the house of the parents of goddess Parvati (selected by the respective Yatra committee) to marry her. The parents spend huge amount to perform the marriage like their own daughter. Street processions of the newly married couple along with various dances and traditional culture are organized by the respective Yatra committees to mark the occasion.
In past Harlot (bai nacha) from Kolkata and Raipur was a part of the festival, but slowly erotic and vulgar dance groups from South India were invited to pull the crowd as there was a competition among the Yatra committees. But over the past few years reformation has taken place in the Yatra after formation of a Joint coordination committee.
“Yatra committees are to be serious on the matter. we can not do cultural policing all the times.People also should be aware to avoid such obscene dances as it give a negative impact on the society, Mr. P K Patnaik, collector Sambalpur told.
But there are others who argue that administration is interfering much in the fultural fair. They argue that that dancing on the tune of movie songs can not be considered as vulgar. “One should not consider it as vulgar and obscene as we invite only album artists and professional dancers. We have also taken care on the costume and dresses of the artists. We have also introduced Bihu ,Bhangra and chhau in the festival replacing traditional Bai nacha in order to make the festival more colourful and attractive.” , the president of the Jharuapara yatra committee Saroj Dalpat told.
It may be mentioned here that the artists perform their dances on a mobile wheel stages especially built-up by the Yatra committee. Every Yatra committee has as 8 to 10 such wheel stages which are pulled in a row. Apart from the stage artists there are hundreds of artists who perform on the open space. The divine couple follows the precession bedecked with beautiful chariots .

Sital Sasti: 'annual meet' for eunuchs

When the Sital Sasti festival is underway in Sambalpur one cannot stay away from the glimpse of a large gathering of Hinjra (eunuchs) who throng to participate in the marriage ceremony of Lord Shiva and Parvati. With the beats of dhols and dulduli when eunuchs start dancing in colourful famine costumes, the atmosphere becomes rhythmic and attractive. But eunuchs do consider it as their annual meeting place and come to participate as there is no such occasion where they can meet in such a large number.

“I come to the festival not to enjoy the festival but it is a place where I meet my friends every year. It becomes out annual meeting place as we get an occasion to discuss our problem”, eunuch Bela told. “We are deprived section of the society but we are thankful to the Yatra committees who have created an occasion for us”, another eunuch Lolita told.
Sources said, traditionally eunuch led the Barat of Lord Shiva and there after in the street procession of newly married couple during Sital Sasti Yatra, being organized by the various Yatra Committees in Sambalpur. They do not need any invitation to attend the festival and they come by their own wish every year. The Yatra committee provides them food and shelter and pay nominal amount as pocket money. ‘We consider them as a symbol of the pious as people believe their presence in ritual function gives a positive result”, General Secretary of the Joint Coordination committee Anupam Mishra told. “However looking to their expenses and accommodation we have decided to limit their numbers from this year on ward”, Mr. Mishra added. More over, with the changing of the time, their traditional costumes of sarees have been replaced with modern jeans and tops. Using cosmetic and modern technique eunuchs keep them attractive. “Do not surprise to see eunuchs, dressed in jeans and tops. They have totally changed themselves with the changing of time”, senior member of the Nandapara Yatra committee Prafulla Hota told.
However the have not changed their thinking even after changing of costumes. They feel it a curse to have born as eunuch. So they pray lord Shiva to give salvation in the next birth. “Lord Shiva is our presiding deity because he is Ardhanariswar (half man and half woman). So we join in his marriage and dance madly because we believe he is the god who releases us from the bondage of eunuch birth”, eunuch Monica contented
it may be mentioned here that the marriage ceremony of Lord Shiva and Parvati will be solemnized on Thursday night and the street procession of Lord Shiva and Parvati will start on Friday and continue till Saturday afternoon. Elaborate arrangements have been made by the various Yatra Committees for the smooth organization of the Sital Sasti

Land scam::court order helps 'dead' tribal to get her land

She is all along alive, but land mafias have sold her land citing her dead and issueless. This has been done cunningly with the help of few revenue officials and the Tahasildar has even mutated the land in the favour of the purchaser with out verifying the fact. But thanks to the judgment of the Addl. Sub Collector of Sambalpur, the old tribal lady Gangi Munda finally gets back his land. Pronouncing the order in the mutation appeal case, the Addl. Sub Collector expressed concern on attitude of the revenue officials while dealing with cases related to transfer of the lands belong to tribal people.
“Innocent tribal people are falling pray in the hands of land mafias and slowly loosing their ancestral property. There is strict enactment of law to safeguard their interest but the legal principles are openly violated because of the corrupt practices of few revenue officials. Revenue official should apply his own mind while dealing with the transfer case of land belongs to the tribal people”, the Addl Sub Collector Mr. Ashok Purohit told on Friday.
Sources said, about 6.5 acres of land located in the village Gengutipali under Sadar Tahasil, outskirt of the Sambalpur town was purchased by one Jag Mohan Singh of Surguja (Chhatishgarh) in the year 2004. The land belongs to a tribal family having 7 members including the 60 years old Gangi Munda. But during transaction of the land, the purchaser cited her dead and issueless and with out her knowledge the land was transferred. The sale deed of the land shows that Nagua Oram, Kartika Oram, Rengtu Munda and Bhikari Munda have put their thumb impressions. The Sambalpur Tahasildar has even mutated the land in favour of Jag Mohan Singh by correcting the ROR. More over the market price of the land was Rs. 11,000/- per decimal but the transaction was made @ Rs. 1000/- per decimal.
“The matter came before me when one of the aggrieved parties filed an appeal. On verification I found that there are as many as 17 recorded tenants of the land. But surprisingly the land was purchased by one Jag Mohan Singh of Surguja (chhatishgarh) with the help of few recorded tenants citing others dead or issueless. Possibility of involvement of land mafias in the back ground can not be ruled out”, the Addl. Sub Collector Mr. Purohit told.
Sources said, tribal land can not be transferred to non-tribal people with out prior permission of the revenue officer. But with out obtaining permission Jag Mohan purchased the tribal land as he claimed to be a member of the tribal community of Chhatisgarh state. But during the course of hearing Gangi Munda appeared and claimed to have cheated and not aware of the transaction of the land. .
“She was described as dead and issueless in the sale deed but when I saw her I did not have any doubt on the malafide intension of the purchaser land. I have order to insert the name of the recorded owners in place of the purchaser Jag Mohan”, Mr. Purohit added.

euphoria begins in Sambalpur with Sital Sasti Jatra

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The euphoria begins in Sambalpur with the preparation of the longest moving festival Sital Sasti Jatra that begins from Sunday with “Patrapendi” or marriage negotiation of Nandapara Yatra committee. The Yatra that runs for about a week is expected to fetch lakhs of devotees and pilgrims to witness the holy festival. The festival will be concluded with a grand procession of the newly-married couple on 30th May. However the Yatra committee members expressed concern over the attitude of the state government for not declaring it a ‘state festival’ despite its age old tradition.
“The state government has not yet recognized the festival despite its age-old tradition. What to talk of a ‘tourist package’ when the festival does not place in the state calendar as holiday. Several time we put forth our demand before the government to give proper attention but every time our demand remains unheard. It becomes difficult for us to maintain the 400 years old tradition if the government does not patronize us”, Badal Dani, the president of the joint coordination committee of Sital Sasti Yatra told.
Sources said, The 400 year old festival revolves with the marriage ceremony of lord Shiva with goddess Parvati. The entire process of the marriage of the lord Shiva and Parvati is done as per the prevailing human tradition. Human beings become the parents of Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati and perform the marriage as like their own son and daughter. The Yatra is mainly organized in three temples of Jharuapara, Nandapara and Modipara. But over the past few years youths of several other places including Badbazar and Budharaja have taken initiatives to begin yatra in their respective places. “Yatra is mainly organized in Jharuapara, Nandapara and Modipara. So we have formed a Joint co-ordination committee to make the festival more attractive”, the senior member of the committee Prafulla Hota said.
Sources said, the festival was initially organized by the two sects of Brahmin community of Jharuapara and Nandapara. The Brahmin resides in Jharuapara is known as ‘Aranyak’ the Brahmin resides in Nandapara is known as “Utkaliya”. Though people of both communities are socially and culturally powerful still there was a socio-cultural difference among them because of their different origins. So there was a sense of ‘rivalry’ among their mind-set which was apparently reflected during the organization of the festival. The festival was organized by them every year uninterruptedly because of the competitive mentality between the two sects.
“Perhaps the competition between the two groups of Brahmin was the secret of the festival that has remained alive since a long time and being organized every year uninterruptedly”, eminent social activist Bhagawat Nanda told. However joining of Modipara in late 70s and formation of a joint coordination committee of the 3 Yatra committees, Sital Sasti Yatra got a new dimension, he added.
According to the Historians, the festival was initially being organized in the Somnath temple of Balibandha in a simple form. Later People of Jharuapara followed the tradition and performed the marriage ceremony of Loknath Baba. But few others believed that the festival was initiated by the people of Nandapara and to commemorate the festival the present Balunkeswar temple was constructed in 1776 with the active support and patronage of than King Narayan Singh. “Though we do not have any concert evident to prove the origin of the festival still from the old document and evidences we believe that the festival is more than 400 years old”, the senior member of the coordination committee Prafulla Hota reiterated.
Sources said, Sital Sasti is perhaps the only such kind in Hindu festival where a devotee gets an opportunity to become the parents of goddess Sakti and to perform her marriage with lord Shiva. The marriage is performed in prevailing local tradition and culture and the entire process of marriage is similar to the marriage of a human being. Lord Shiva goes in a barat with the local people to the house of the selected parents to marry goddess Parvati. People are eager to perform the role of the parents of goddess Parvati to give her panigrahan like their own daughter spending lakhs of rupees. Looking to the demand of the devotees the each Jatra committees have a long waiting list of aspiring parents. “We have prepared a list of aspirant parents and selected as per the list. It is believed that your berth is reserved in heaven if you become the bride’s parent even for a single occasion. So every one of Sambalpur wants to become the bride’s parents for one occasion during his entire life time”, the eminent president of the Jharuapara Yatra committee Saroj Dalpat said. This time the Pradeep Babu of Nandapara has been selected as the bride’s parent, Mohan Chand Tulasyan of Marwadipara is the bride’s parents of Jharuapara Yatra committee and Omprakash Agrawal of LNMishra lane is the bride’s parents of the Modipara Yatra committee. The marriage of Lord Shiva will be held on 28th followed by a grand street procession on the next night that will continue till 30th afternoon.

result Sambalpur Lok Sabha surprised everyone including the candidate

it was a miraculous win for congress in Sambalpur Lok Sabha seat. Though congress won the seat it was the candidate who could not believe it when he got the result. Though he visited Sambalpur for several times but in his wildest dream also he was never thought to become the MP of the prestigious Sambalpur parliamentary constituency, but after the delimitation of the constituency it became possible as his native Chhendipada assembly segment got included in the constituency. Meet the congress leader and winning candidate of Sambalpur Parliamentary constituency Amar Pradhan who was initially reluctant to contest the election.

“I was not at-all prepared to contest the parliamentary seat and I had conveyed my feeling to the party leader after they selected my name. I even switched off my cell phone to keep away my self from the party leadership after they forced me to contest. But I was unaware about the wish of the all mighty”, the congress MP of Sambalpur Mr. Amar Pradhan told while meeting the press for the first time as MP on Sunday.

“I was not sure about my win but it is the people of Sambalpur district who made it possible. I am thankful to all my voters. I visited Sambalpur for several times in the past as Youth congress president and later as a minister but I was never dreamt to become the MP of this prestigious seat”, Mr. Pradhan admitted.

Reacting to the query of the press-persons on the stand of the sharing of dam water to the industrial houses, Mr. Pradhan said that he would support the farmers of the district and will oppose the water-sharing policy of the government. :”if necessary I will agitate against the state government”, the newly elected MP Amar Pradhan told.
Sources said, Congress candidate Amar Pradhan won the election defeating his rival Rohit Pujari of BJD with a margin of about 14, 989 votes. When congress got 3, 06,718 votes, BJD finished with a little difference of 2, 91,721 votes and BJP’s Surendra lath remained in third position with a total votes of 1,51,568 votes. Out of the 7 assembly seats BJD won 4 seats congress won 2 and BJP remains happy with one. But congress was quite ahead in both Kuchinda and Rengali assembly seats in comparison to BJD that it became difficult for BJD.On the other hand the BJD candidate Rohit Pujari expressed his gratitude to the voters for extending overwhelms supports. Though he did not win the election still he is happy that his party has got a clear mandate in the state. “I am thankful to my voters for such a huge support.I will continue to serve the people of my constituency” Mr. Rohit Pujari told.

Jayanarayan got 'hat trick' fighting the battle alone

It is a hat-trick win for the Sambalpur legislature Jay Narayan Mishra who made a record in the Sambalpur history winning the election for third time consecutively. Defeating his rival of congress Sureswar Mishra, he won the battle with a margin of over 6,997votes. Known to be arch-rival of the party state president Suresh Pujari, Mr. Mishra had even filed his nomination papers this time with out waiting for party declaration and party was forced to nominate him as party candidate. While Jay Narayan managed a simple win in Sambalpur, Suresh Pujari lost the battle to congress’s Anup Sai in Brajarajnagar.
Sources said, in the Sambalpur assembly seat no one has earlier won the seat for third times and it is Jay Nayayan Mishra who made it despite of all odds. Earlier late Bodhram Debey, Shradhakar Supakar, Banmali Babu, Sriballav Panigrahi, Durga Sankar Patnaik have won the seat for two times consecutively. Shradhakar Supakar has won the third time when he was again elected in 1885 assembly election. But Jay Narayan has won the election consecutively for 3 times. “It is a win of the people. I am always with the people so despite of the opposition from my own party people have voted me”, Jay Narayan told.
Jay Narayan got a total 34086 votes when his congress rival Sureswar Mishra got 27089 votes.
While the Mishra’s camp celebrating the victory, silence shrouds in the Pujari camp in Sambalpur. Though Mishra did not expressed happiness over the defeat of the party President Suresh Pujari still the gigantic celebration in the Mishra’s camp despite the party’s debacle condition in the state is indicating his mind. “We are sorry for him but he got the price for his nasty game in Smbalpur”, a close associate of Mishra told.
On the other hand it is also a hat-trick defeat for the BJP chief Suresh Pujari who lost the election battle third time consecutively in Brajarajnagar. While Pujari got a total 38862, Anup Sai of congress got a victory with 50,858 votes. Anup Sai and Suresh Pujari contested the election for the third time and Anup remains the winner every time. “I accepted the mandate of the people in Brajarajnagar and as well as in the state. We will analyze the party strategy as I personally feel we did a mistake to let the people understand the stand of the party”, Mr. Suresh Pujari told.

Prasanna wins over sanatan's wrong calculation

It was a last moment decision that helps former BJD MP Prasanna Acharya to remain in power as a legislature. He was selected as the party candidate for Bhatli constituency of Bargah district after he expressed his unwillingness to contest the Lok Sabha election due to delimitation of the constituency. But he decided to contest from Rairakhol assembly after the sitting legislature and state health minister Sanatan Bishi decided to switch over to Rengali seat at the last moment and accordingly he snatched the party ticket from a lady candidate who was selected for the assembly seat. While Prasanna won the battle Sanatan Bishi remains unsuccessful.
“It is a win of the people of Rairakhol and win of the Naveen Patnaik’s clean image. I expressed my gratitude to my voters to elect me. I am happy that people have chosen me to serve them for nest 5 years”, Prasanna Acharya told soon after the declaration of the result.
Sources said, Rairakhol assembly constituency becomes general after the delimitation of the constituency. it was earlier reserved for the scheduled caste candidates. The state health minister Sanatan Bishi who won the seat twice consecutively feared to contest with the general candidates this time. So he switched over to newly created Rengali constituency considering it safe and healthy due to its reserved category. But Sanatan Bishi’s entry to the constituency had fueled the party aspirants who opposed Bishi candidature. “It was a wrong decision and Bishi has got the price for taking a wrong decision. He would have won had he been contested from Rairakhol”, a senior party colleague told.
But Sanatan Bishi does not repent for his decision of changing the constituency. “It was after al party decision. I have sincerely carried out the decision”, Mr. Bishi told accepting his defeat.
Sources said, Sanatan Bishi was opposed the day he decided to contest from Rengali constituency. “The party aspirant MB Prariraj contested as independent. His aim was to defeat the party candidate and he became successful”, a BJD worker of Rengali told. The congress candidate Durjyodhan Gardia won the seat with 32,654 votes defeating his nearest rival MB Prariraj over a margin of 13 thousands votes. Bishi remained in the third position with 15, 693 votes.
On the other hand Prasanna Acharya got 37,710 votes defeating his congress rival Asaf Alli Khan with a margin of nearly 10 thousand votes.

court's verdict has exposed illegal land dealing of Bhusan

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Sambalpur revenue court of addl.sub-collector has directed the Rengali Tahasildar to re-enter the name of the original land owner in the land record in place of Bhusan steel and Power Company that has mutated the land after being purchased from the land owner. The court has pronounced the order on Thursday on an appeal matter filed by the land owner against the Bhusan Company. The court has convinced that the company has transferred the land in it fevour fraudulently. Court has asked the Tahasildar to execute the order with in 15 days.
“The Bhusan steel and power company has purchased the 39.25 acres of land situated under Khadiapali under Rengali Tahasil fraudulently with out paying the money to the land owners namely Sidheswari Pal and Dibya Kishore Pal. The company had also mutated the land in its fevour. But when the owners of land filed an appeal case I the issue came before me. After examination of the records and documents I found a foul play in the entire proceeding .I have directed the concern Tahasildar to reenter the name original land owners in place of the company” , the addl. Sub-collector Mr. Ashok Purohit told.
Sources said, the Bhusan Steel and power company has purchased about 39.25 acres of land located in the village Khadiapali under Rengali Tahasil and got mutated on 20th may 2008 in its fevour. The documents of the company showed a payment of Rs.98 lakhs which is much less than the market price. On the other hand the land owners Sidheswari Pal and Dibya Kishore Pal had filed an appeal in the court of the addl. Sub Collector denying any payment from the company. They claimed that the company had cheated them by transferring the land fraudulently.
“We have no knowledge about the transfer of the land. We have appealed before the addl. Sub collector to cancel the mutation of the land in fevour of the company as the transfer was totally illegal”, land owner Sidheswari told.
It may be informed that the industrial houses have purchased lands from local people directly violating the norms of state R& R policy. As per the law the company has to acquire the land through government agency with proper rehabilitation to the land losers. But the thousands of people have been deprived from getting the proper rehabilitation and employment as the companies have transferred the lands fraudulently. Some government officials are also hand in globes in the matter. “The case of Sidheswari has proved how she was cheated by the industrial houses. Here you can not only hold responsible to the industrial houses as this can not be possible with out the support of the government officials”, Sambalpur lawyer Vedavyas Supakar told.

Jyoti Vihar invites private org. to open high school

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Hanging up the UGC proposal of setting a central school for more than a year, the Sambalpur University has now invited a private educational organization to start an English medium high school inside the university campus. This has created sharp reaction among the locals and university staff as it would be difficult for them to effort the costly education of the private organization.
“The syndicate had approved the proposal of UGC to set up a central school in the university campus during March 2008. To take up the matter seriously a committee was also formed. But unfortunately the proposal was not materialized. So now we have moved to invite Xavier to set up a high school”, the registrar of the Sambalpur University Dr. SS Rath told. However he could not give any reason why the proposal was not materialized. “I can not say as I was not posted by that time. My predecessor would answer this”, Dr. Rath told.
Sources said, UGC had sent proposal to set up two central schools in Sambalpur and Berhampur university campus during 2008. Berhampur University authority taking immediate step began the school from 2008-09 academic years. But Sambalpur University did not take proper step immediately. The proposal was placed before the syndicate in April and as per the decision a committee was set up comprising Prof AK Panda, Prof DK Behera and Prof Sukdev Nayak to fellow up the matter. The committee was finally prepared a detailed report on the proposal that was sent only in the month of June. ‘Though a positive report was sent to the UGC to set up the central school in the campus but no body took the issue seriously to pursue the matter with the UGC ’, a senior office staff of the university told.
On the other hand the University claimed to have talked with the educationists and eminent persons of the locality before taking such a decision. “We have talked with corporate houses and eminent personalities before taking such a decision to invite the Xavier organization”, the registrar Dr. Rath told.
On the other hand the university has decided to lease out 10 acres of land inside the campus to the private organization to construct school building. “But how the university would lease out the land to a private organization when the university has got the land from the government on lease basis. This is illegal”, opined a legal expert.

bloody superstition: man beheads his 10 yrs old grand child

The killer-grand father was crazy to sprinkle the human blood in his field to increase his yield. So he collected blood by hacking his innocent grand daughter. He would sow the blood stained-seeds on Monday (akhi tritiya) to appease the god of land as he was believed his production would increase once he pleased the ‘god of land’ with human blood. The accused had confessed before the Jamenkira police during interrogation on Monday.
“It was a strange but he confessed that he killed his grand daughter as he was in need of human blood to appease the land of god. So he hacked her and collected blood. But he does not regret what he did as it was part of his rituals to please the god”, the additional Superintendent of police (Sambalpur) Mr. Labakant Rana told.
Mr. Rana has been to the spot on Monday afternoon to take a stock of the incident and to review the progress of the investigation. Police have registered a case u/s 302 IPC and handed over the body of the deceased to the family after completion of autopsy on Monday evening. “It was a gloomy day in our village as no body was believed such a happening in our village”, a villager of the Adhpather told. The body of the girl was cremated on Monday night.
According to the sources the accused was having a grocery shop in the village and he was quite familiar to every one. “We never thought such a sick-mind was living inside him. It could happen to any of our children as they were often going to his shop”, he added.

It may be mentioned here that on Sunday a 55 years old man Rajesh Hembrum of Adhpather under Jamenkira police of the district had beheaded his grand daughter Bernika Kandulana (10) with an axe and collected the blood in a steel bowl. He than packed the beheaded body in a bag and tried to mix the blood with the seeds kept in a bag. But his wife shouted after coming back to the house. The nearby villagers assembled there hearing her scram and nabbed the accused. The police rushed to the spot and arrested the accused.
Irony of the fact is that the accused family had adopted Christianity and regularly going to church for prayer. Even on the day of the incident the victim girl had been to Church with her uncle. She was reading in class 4th and going to church regularly. She was residing with her grand parents. Victim was the daughter of Silbina, the daughter of the accused. Silbina got remarried after the death of her husband 4 years back.
“In tribal community such things are not new. They have their own faith and beliefs and they continue to perform their traditional rituals even after the conversion”, a church father told.
However the incident has created a shiver among the villagers who demanded immediate punishment to the accused for his barbaric act. “He should be hanged immediately for his heinous act” a villager told.
On the other hand the police have no other choice than to book him under 302 section of Indian penal code. “Since there is no special provision in the IPC for such cases, he will be trailed like a killer”, The Addl. SP Mr. Rana added.

Ring: but never goes round

It was a dream for every one residing in Sambalpur to have an bypass the National Highway 6 on the river side of the town. But it remains incomplete due to mass corruption and superfluous attitude of the high officials and lack of will power of the political leaders. But people are still hopeful of the completion of the project as it would have a direct effect on the social and economical development of the area.
“Sambalpur ring road” project is not a ‘road of circle’ but still people love to call it ‘ring’.The half completed road has become quite useful for the people even though the wish of than minister late Basant Biswal of inaugurating the same remained in the plaque hung at one side of the road. The Plaque refreshes the memory of then deputy CM of Orissa late Mr. Biswal as the project was remained incomplete during his life time..
On the bank of the River Mahanadi the road-cum-embankment do attract people especially during rainy season to have a glimpse of the roaring flood water gushing out through the river. But the purpose of construction of the embankment/road was yet to be fruitful as the half completed project was neither helpful to save the town from flood water & back water of neither the River nor it was capable to divert the busy traffic of the National High Way. Thus it never becomes an alternative route for the traffic passing through NH 6
.
The project was formulated during congress regime to construct a half circle road on the River side of the town so as to connect NH 6 from both ends. Since NH 6 encircles the town half way from the outer side, the idea behind the project was to complete the circle through riverside of the town. Though it was a terrific idea and for which than government was appreciated by everyone for giving a surprise-gift to the people of Sambalpur. Late Basant Biswal, than Deputy CM of Orissa laid the foundation stone of the project at commissioner’s colony ground soon after the project got approval by the Technical advisory committee. It was assured to complete the project within 2 years. But even after 13 years the project remains half-completed. People still considered the project as one of the best project formulated by the congress government for the development of the town...
According to the official records, the project consists of 12 km road-cum-embankment, was formulated by the chief engineer of lower Mahanadi basin, Bhubanswar with an estimated cost of Rs.37.64 crores. It got approved by the 77th TAC meeting held on 8th august 1995 with few observations. The chief engineer submitted a revised project basing on the comments of the TAC with few modification vide his later no 9235 of Dt. 26th September 1995. How ever the estimated cost was also enhanced to Rs. 43.70 crores after revised of the project. Accordingly the project was finally decided to take up in two phases i.e. 0 km to 7.50 KMs in first phase and from 7.50 to 12.00 in second phase. It was also approved to spend Rs. 12.52 crores for first 7 ½ KMs and Rs. 31.18 crores on the rest 4 ½ KMs. Surprisingly the first phase work of 7 ½ km was reduced to only 3 ½ KM during publication of the tender notice in Dharitri and Samaj of Dt.21st September 1995 and 26th September 1995 respectively.
Contractors of various places took interest on the project. But surprisingly the 4th lowest bidder orient construction (pvt) Ltd was assigned for the 1 ½ km work. More surprisingly the rate was negotiated at 40.82 % excess to the actual bidding price of the contractor. Like wise the tenders of Nanuram Agrawal and Nirmaan Construction got selected for the work of one KM each though they were 2nd and 4th lowest tender. They took assignment with a negotiated rate 40% excess over the amount they put in their tender papers. “I do not know why this manipulation was taken place but surely this was done at the wish of then deputy CM and water resources minister Basant Biswal” the former collector of Sambalpur Sayed Ossatullah commented while talking to the pressmen.
In the initial stage the construction work was very enthusiastic. But low quality work in the later part left the project incompleted. Finally Water resources department declared spending of entire project amount to complete only 3½ km keeping the project incomplete. .Due to mass corruption by the congress government, BJD/BJP alliance government was come to power in 2000, but the fate of the project remained unchanged. The total money was spent only for the construction of 3 ½ km road. Though it was unbelievable it is true. The 3 ½ km was connected with an existing road at Mandalia on one side but unable to connect with the Kachery chowck on the other side as the land was under litigation. The 15 miters kachha road from Kacheri chowck tells the truth of the project even after two decades.
On the other hand the incomplete embankment becomes a threat for various low-line areas of the town. Many parts of the town including Commissioner’s colony, Hirakud colony, Charbhati, Kuluthkani, Gobindtola, Binakhandi, and Chandan Nagar are submerging with back-water of Mahanadi River with slight discharge of flood water from reservoir due the half-completed embankment. "We never had a back-water threat earlier, but in recent years we are experiencing this kind of threat with slightest rain" said Samaru Oram of Charbhati.
When the issue was raised by the people before the local legislature and state transport and commerce minister Jay Narayan Mishra, he criticized the congress government for creating such a situation “though the idea was noble but their intension was not clean” he alleged. The minister assured to make all necessary arrangement to resume the work so as to complete the project as soon as possible. But the assurance of the transport minister was also proved to be a false as during his 9 years tenure he never takes any step to complete the project. Irony of the fact is that the condition of the half-completed 3 ½ KM was so precarious that it needs immediate repairing,
"The political leaders have no choice but to give false promises. In order to remain in the power they only give false assurances. The present condition of the project is an burning example how the politicians make false promises" the retired bank official Mr. NK Dash said.

Jaya Narayan fights election battle 'alone'

( file photo)

Hostile party workers puts a big challenge to the state transport minister Jay Narayan Mishra who is on his way to win the election battle for third time consecutively Mishra who has created his own set up of workers in the constituency to cross the election river with out much help from the party is confident of his wining ability. After the break-up in the alliance a tie up between the two groups of the BJP was required for the betterment of the party performances in the ensuing election in Sambalpur district. But the absent of party’s state president Suresh Pujari in Narendra Midi’s public meeting at Sambalpur has unfolded the real situation of the party. Party workers sensed that it was Pujari’s reply to Mishra for going against the party and filing nomination with out waiting official nomination. .

“However this is not a good symptom for the party’s future. They should forget their personal score to make the party strong in the district. But who will convince them. The party will be smashed very soon if they do not change their attitude”, a senior party leader told. (file photo)

Sources said, Gujarat CM Narendra Modi had visited sambalpur to address a public meeting on last Wednesday (8th April) . The party candidate for Sambalpur assembly Mr. Jay Narayan Mishra and Sambalpur Lok Sabha Mr. Surendra Kumar Lath were present in the meeting. But neither the state party president nor anybody from district unit were seen in the meeting. Mishra organized the meeting solely depending on his own strength. Sambalpur Municipal chairman Reena Tribedy and vice chairman S Saha were only seen in the meeting along with Mishra’s fellow men. “Though meeting was successful but it sends a massage of Mishra’s loneliness in the party. This would put a negative effect on the Mishra’s popularity”, a senior journalist of Sambalpur told. “It is neither good for the party nor it is good for him”, He added.

BJP has been divided in Sambalpur since a long time because of the difference between Suresh Pujari and Jay Narayan Mishra. While Pujari selected his own people in the party organization Mishra has develop a separate set up involving his people. Mishra enjoys the support of Sambalpur municipality and Burla NAC as he took the charge of election of the both local bodies Suresh got the support of Hirakud NAC being the native of the BJP district president Simanchal Khatei. The magnitude of the difference can be imagined from the fact that there are two party offices in the town. While Mishra controls over the Kachery road, the other one at Laxmi talkies chowck office is considered as the party president office. Because of his difference with Pujari, Mishra filed his nomination in the assembly election with out waiting the declaration of party candidate.

‘I was confident of my candidature so I have filed nomination with out waiting the party’s official declaration. More over numerology and astrological calculation forced me to do that.” Mishra tried to explain his hurriedness for filing his nomination papers. “I am always with the people and they have elected me twice from this constituency so I am hopeful for this time also”, Mishra added confidently..

However

On the other hand the congress candidate Sureswar Mishra wants to win the battle with the base vote of the congress. According to him Jay Narayan Mishra had did nothing for his constituency even after remained as state transport minister for 5 years. “You see the condition of the Sambalpur Bus stand and you will understand his attachment for Sambalpur town”, Mr. Mishra told. “The bus stand at Ainthapali was remained in same condition where congress had left 9 years ago”, he added.

Meanwhile, the NCP candidate Sidhartha Dash criticizing both congress and BJP for the present condition of the town, said, both are two sides of a coin. He is hopeful that people would not commit any mistake this time and support him because of Naveen’s clean image. NCP has been fighting as an alliance candidate of BJD and NCP.

BJD's wrong selection would help to congress in Bargarh Lok Sabha

Despite his educational and professional back ground he may not be in a position to secure the faith of the voters because of his ‘deceiving nature’. His calculation of winning the Lok Sabha seat through polarizing the local sentiment has been slowly slipping from his hands after his switching to BJD to obtain the party candidate for the Bargarh Lok Sabha constituency. He is now struggling hard to restore his ‘image’. Yes, we are talking about the retied agriculture director of government of India and BJD candidate of the newly constituted Bargarh Parliamentary seat Dr. Hamid Hussein.
Prior to this he was heading the Kosal movement as the all India convener of Kosal Ekta Manch (KEM), a social organization that has been fighting for a separate statehood for the western Orissa. KKD (Kosal Krani Dal) is the political wing of the KEM that is contesting election for the first time this year.
“He has deceived the people of entire western Orissa. Due to such ‘dubious’ character people do not have faith on the local party. But his dream may not be fruitful as people will give appropriate reply for his ‘deceiving nature’. Though his switching to BJD would not affect the prospect of the KKD, still it sends a wrong massage to the people supporting for the cause of local issues”, the president of the KKD Mr. Pramod Mishra told.
sources revealed that Dr. Hamid Hussein had visited several places of western Orissa to spread the massage of separate state hood for western Orissa. He was one of the leading members of the delegation that went to Delhi to submit a memorandum to the president demanding speatate statehood for western Orissa during last year. “People of western Orissa would get justice only after formation a new kosal state”, Dr. Hussein had quoted several occasions before press prior to his joining BJD. But now people started questing him to give justification of joining the BJD only to get a parliament ticket.
“This is not the only instances. Earlier also leaders like Balgopal Mishra and Brundaban Majhi had played ‘Kosal card’ to win the heart of the people. But they left kosal movement once they secured a safe position in other political parties. So people should be aware of such personalities who are playing with the sentiment of the people for self-gain”, Mr. Pramod Mishra reiterated.
On the other hand BJD has good base in Bargarh district where 5 assembly segments of the parliament seat are located. Despite of having couple of aspirants within the party how the party could rely upon a outside candidate, who even does not have a good knowledge about the party's workers, asked many of the party workers. now due to poor network in the Bargarh area, Dr. Hussein is facing severe problem in workers management, alleged the workers “Who is he we do not know him till his filing of nomination. However as sincere party workers we will definitely work for the party candidate. But how it could possible to work with heart and sole”, a senior party worker told.
It may be mentioned here that Dr. Hussein, a native of Jharsuguda district had been got his doctorate degree from JNU, New Delhi and joined in civil services as an allied officer. He joined the Kosal movement after being retired as agriculture director of government of India. “I do not know what people think about me but I am confident that people will definitely support me this time as I am always fighting for the cause of people”, Dr. Hamid Hussein told.
on the other hand the congress candidate Sanjay Bhoi has been welknown in the district because of his late father Dr. Krupasindhu Bhoi who represented the old sambalpur lok sabha on manu occasions. Because of his father's reputation in the district Sanjay lost last general election in2004 with a thin margin, But this time he is confident to win the seat.

changing party for a ticket is ‘political prostitution’:::KKD

They are ‘political prostitute’ and brought a shame to the Indian political system by changing the party only on the promise to obtain a party ticket for assembly and parliament seats on the eve of the election. They do not have any commitment for the people or the party and people should ‘punish’ such politicians. “This is not a good indication in political scenario and it would bring a bad reputation in our political system in future”, the president of the Kosal Kranti Dal Mr. Pramod Kumar Mishra told while he spoke to the press on the eve of releasing his party manifesto in the conference hall of Hotel Sujata in Sambalpur town on Saturday noon.

The Kosal Kranti Dal president Mr. Pramod Mishra terming them as immoral political trafficker (political prostitute) said, these politicians do not have any attachment to their own people and land as they are few such persons who can sell their own mother-land for their self-prosperity.

He made it clear that the Kosal Kranti Dal has emerged a regional party and the sole ‘motto’ of the party is to create new ‘kosal state’ for the western part of the state as the party feels that the development of the part is not possible till it remains in Orissa.

‘We have every thing but due to our poor leadership we are living like a poor and the coastal politicians rob our people in each and every moment. Our leaders are just like a puppet in the hands of coastal politicians as do not have guts to raise voice against the injustice. They are shouting only before us but they become ‘spineless’ before the coastal politicians’ Mr. Mishra remarked.

KKD is a registered political party that is going to contest the general election for the first time this year and the future of the movement is depend on the result of the election. “We are contesting for 18 assembly seats and 3 MP seats for the first in the 2009 election. Earlier we have planned to contest from 41 assembly seats and 6 parliament seats but due to certain reason we have limited our strength” Mr., Mishra told.

“However we will access ourselves and prepare our people on the basis of the result of the election. But KKD would never go back from its ideology and commitment”, he added.

The party has promised the formation of a kosal state and recognition of the sambalpuri-kosali language in its manifesto. The party has given 55 promises in the manifesto including all types of development and facilities to the people in the field of irrigation, health, education etc despite their difference of caste creed and colour.

While reacting to a question on Dr. Hamid Hussein, who left KKD recently after getting the BJD ticket for Bargarh Parliamentary constituency, Mr. Mishra told that he has not only deceived the party but also deceived the people of the region. “People would not excuse him  for his betrayal”. How ever we have to very careful while entertaining such type of ‘dishonest’ people.

National parties are responsible for the present condition of the state: Naveen

They have nothing to do with the development of Orissa but during election only they come to give false promises but soon after election no one of them will ever show their faces. So do not float out with their bomb-basting and laughing words No outsider will ever do any thing for the state and it only ‘we’ who can make out state prosperous and developed.
The state chief minister Naveen patnaik in his ‘Hinriya’ (oriya in hindi accent) banged National parties for bringing outsider ‘heavy weighted Star campaigners’ to lure the simple voters of the state. “We have no star campaigners like BJP and congress but we are more concern for the state than these so called heavy weighted stars”, Mr. Patnaik spoke while addressing a large gathering at Gangadhar Mandap of Sambalpur on Saturday afternoon.
“We take out every decision at Bhubaneswar unlike these national parties who concern for the development of their parties at the cost of the state interest. So do not believe these people as they are solely responsible for the present condition of the state as they did nothing for the state in past despite remaining maximum time in state power”, Mr. Patnaik added.
During his one day election campaign he visited Deogarh and Sambalpur districts and addressed as many as 4 public meetings in Barkote and Riamal in Deogarh and Kisinda and Fasimal in Sambalpur district before coming to Sambalpur town. He reached sambalpur in a chopper at PHD ground at about 2 pm and came to the meeting place on road. During his 20 minutes address he left no stone unturned to criticize the congress and BJP by holding responsible for the present condition of the state.
Explaining the reason behind the break up the alliance with saffron, Mr. Patnaik said the state peace and communal harmony was totally disturbed due to the communalization by the BJP. “They created series of tension in the name of religion. So we decided to form government with the help of secular forces. So we offered good bye to BJP as people won’t feel safe in the communal politics”, he mentioned.
Mr. Patnaik informed that during his tenure he has taken the state to a new height with industrial revolution. The government has not only taken step to safeguard the interest of the tribal people but also taken step to avail two rupees rice for the poor and marginal people. “We have constructed 1000 girls’ hostels in tribal pocket and distributed bicycles to the girls to improve the standard of female education in tribal community. We have also implemented two rupees rice for the poor people by spending Rs. 840 crores. We have also provided electricity and drinking water in the rural belt under bijubabu gram jyoti Yojan and safe drinking water projects”, Mr. Patnaik said.
Advocating his interest to bring out parity in the regional imbalance Mr. Naveen Patnaik explained how his government took interest on the WODC project and increased the annual budget to 100 crores.
Mr. Patnaik assured for a clean and good government under his leadership and appealed the people to support the BJD and his allies with out considering the national parties who did nothing for the state by shedding crocodile’s tears only. Patnaik was accompanied with Sambalpur parliamentary candidate Rohit Pujari and NCP’s Sidhartha Dash who is contesting for Sambalpur assembly constituency. CM will attend another couple meeting in Jharsuguda district before return to Bhubaneswar in the evening.

Naveen in action in Sambalpur

( photo- BIJU )

orissa needs 'Gujarat pattern' of development : Modi

Advocating the development and poverty alleviation prograame under taken by the Gujarat government Mr. Nadendra Modi assured the same ‘Gujarat pattern’ in Orissa for the its speedy development. Gujarat is such a state where there is no coal or iron ore but the state has become one of the most prosperous states of the country because of the good governance. ‘Abhi to sabhi sarkar ‘Gujarat patten’ ki bikash ko apnane main agraha prakash kar hara hei’ (now all state government are taking interest to implement the ‘Gujarat pattern’ in their respective states), BJP star campaigner and Gujarat CM Narendra Modi told in a public meeting in organized in PHD ground at sambalpur on Wednesday afternoon as a part of his election campaign tour to Orissa
Accompanied with the senior BJP leader and Sundergarh Lok Sabha candidate Juel Oram Mr. Modi reached here in a chopper from Jharsuguda and he cheered the gathering with his own style of Bharat ma ki jai. ‘Aisa jai kar karo jo Pakistan ko sunai de’, he shouted
Coming down heavily on the Naveen Patnaik for deceiving BJP on the eve of polling, Mr. Modi criticized him for betraying the faith of the people as they have given massive support to the alliance government for two terms. He appealed the people to give proper answer to the party who betrayed the faith of the people by breaking the 11 years long alliance. There are instances of punishing the betrayal in Gujarat and Karnataka and the same thing will happen in Orissa. “IN Gujarat and Karnataka people have voted out the betrayals by giving massive support to BJP in the past and now it is turn for Orissa to give same answer to the BJD for joining hands with left and congress’s allies”, Mr. Modi told.
Criticizing the congress for its vote bank politics Mr. Modi said the country’s development does impossible till there is existence of a vote bank politics in the country. With Vote bank politics we can neither ensure the country’s security nor can we think about the development of the country. ”Vote rajniti se desh ka na surakhya sambhab hei na samaj ki pragati sambhab hei”, he said.
Highlighting the lapses of the UPA government on the country’s security Mr. Modi said government at centre has totally failed to check terrorism in the country because of their vote bank politics. “Instead of deputing a cabinet minister to Washington for help soon after Mumbai terror attack, government should have answered in the same language to Pakistan”, Mr. Modi ascertained. Mr. Modi has ensured the security and prosperity of the country in the hand of BJP. “BJP is the only party who can give security to the country and ensure development of the common people”, he ascertained
He appealed the people to vote for Kamal (lotus) as it is the symbol of prosperity. “If you want prosperity than bring lotus as it is the symbol of goddess of wealth Lakhmi as with out lakhmi prosperity of the country is impossible”
On the other hand the fraction in the district unit of BJP was clearly visible in the meeting. Not a single party office bearer was present in the meeting. The local legislature and party candidate Jay Narayan Mishra was organized the meeting with the help of his followers.

Narendra Modi in SAMBALPUR

Rahul slams naveen's 'anti-poor' policy

The congress star campaigner and AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi playing the ‘aam Admi’ card during the election meeting in Rairakhol, claimed that congress led UPA government had worked for the upliftment of the poor through its various historic schemes with in last 5 years term. “By introducing several populist schemes for the welfare and upliftment of the poor and down trodden people, the congress led UPA government had fulfilled all those promises given during the time of last election” Mr. Gandhi told while speaking in a public meeting held in Kandamba ground of Rairakhol, 60 km from here on Tuesday afternoon.
Amidst tight security the congress candidate for Amethi, Mr. Rahul Gandhi arrived here in a chopper along with the PCC president KP Singh Deo and other senior party leaders on Tuesday afternoon and cheered the people by waving his hand to the people waiting for him in scorching summer hit.. Mr. Gandhi with out attacking the Naveen Patnaik directly accused the state government as a party of rich people where place for poor does not available. “The ruling alliance government can section thousands acres of land to the industrial houses but there is no land for poor and tribal people”, Mr. Rahul Gandhi told.
Enlightening the achievement of the UPA government at center, Mr. Gandhi explained how the government had paid due attention on the poor and tribal people with in the last five years by implementing various populist schemes. ‘We have provided employment to poor and tribal people under the NREGS. We have also provided land record to the tribal people. We did what we had promised during election”, He said.
Mr. Gandhi seemed to have tired because of the high temperature and it was evident from his powerless and forceless speech. “The state government has received more funds during UPA government but it failed in utilizing the funds because of the anti-people policy of the state government”, he said.
Mr. Gandhi appealed the people to bring congress in both in state and center as congress is the only party that thinks for the poor and down trodden He appealed the people to elect the Lok Sabha candidate Amarendra Pradhan and assembly candidate Asaf Ali Khan (Rairakhol) and Sureswar Mishra (Sambalpur). (The end)

Rahul Gandhi in Rairakhol ( Sambalpur)

Narendra Modi in Fasimal (Sambalpur)

BJP star campaigner Narendra Modi addressing an election meeting

votebank politics is a threat to country's secuirty : Narendra Modi

With Vote bank politics we can neither ensure the country’s security nor can we think about the development of the country. So country needs a strong prime minister who can ensure the security and development of the country
‘”Vote rajniti se desh ka na surakhya sambhab hei na samaj ki pragati sambhab hei. Desh ko chahiye a anubhabi pradhan mantra jo desh ko surakhya aur prgati ke our le ja sakta he” BJP star campaigner and Gujarat CM Narendra Modi told in a public meeting in organized at Fasimal under Kuchinda assembly constituency, 40 km away from here on Sunday after noon during his one day election campaigning tour to Orissa. Highlighting the lapses of the UPA government on the country’s security Mr. Modi said the government has totally failed to check terrorism in the country because of their vote bank politics. “Instead of asking help to Obama, government should have given a proper reply to Pakistan in the same language”, Mr. Modi ascertained. Mr. Modi has ensured the security and prosperity of the country in the hand of BJP. “BJP is the only party who can give security to the country and ensure development of the common people”, he ascertained
Accompanied with the state president of BJP Suresh Pujari, Mr. Modi Reached here in a private chopper one and half hours late to the scheduled time and with out wasting any moment he started his enraged speech. Despite summer hit a large gathering was waiting at the meeting place to hear the able CM Narendra Modi .Coming down heavily on the Naveen Patnaik for deceiving BJP on the eve of polling, Mr. Modi criticized him for betraying the faith of the people as they have given massive support to the alliance government for two terms. He appealed the people to give proper answer to the party who betrayed the faith of the people by breaking the 11 years long alliance.
He said that Gujarat is a state where there is no coal or iron ore but the state has become one of the most prosperous states of the country because of the good governance. But with all mineral resources Orissa has been poor. “Till congress and its allies are in power, prosperity of the state can not be assumed”, he said targeting the BJD after its alliance with the left parties and NCP. Replying to the statement of Naveen Patnaik, Mr. Modi asked him that if BJP was a communal party than why he did alliance with such a communal party for 11 long years.
Criticizing the employment policy of the congress led UPA government Mr. Modi said the government was instrumented for the retrenchment of 5 lakhs employees against its declaration of providing 1.5 crores of new employment. “Dedh karod Naya rozgar den eke wada kiye the lekin 5 lakhs logoko rozgar chhin liye”, Mr. critically asserted
Prior to Fasimal Mr. Modi addressed a gathering at Brjarajnager where the BJP state President Suresh Pujari has been contesting for assembly poll. The delay was occurred sue to mechanical defect in the chopper while it was taking off at Brjarajnagar. The BJP candidates Surendra Kumar Lath (Sambalpur Lok Sabha) and Rabi Narayan Nayak (Kuchinda assembly) were also present in the meeting.

Orissa government spreads communal tension in the state : Sonia

Attacking the alliance government of Orissa led by Naveen Patnaik, the UPA chairperson and congress Chief Mrs. Sonia Gandhi accused the government for spreading communal tension in the peace loving Orissa state. “The people of Orissa are mainly peace lovers but the alliance government has created severe law and order situation in entire state over the past few years in the name of religion and Kandhamal is the burning example”, Mrs. Gandhi said while addressing a large gathering in Jamurda, outskirt of the Bargarh town, 60 km from here on Thursday.
Arriving the meeting place about one hour delay to the scheduled time, Mrs. Gandhi was accompanied with senior congress leader including Gulam Navi Azad and PCC chief KP Singh Deo and during her 20 minutes address she did not leave any stone unturned to blame the alliance government. She also warned the people to be alert with these communal forces as they have broken the long tradition of the state by spreading the seeds of communal tension among the people for their self political gain.
Mrs. Gandhi accused both BJD and BJP of taking credit for the schemes initiated by the Congress-led UPA government at the Centre. “Though Congress led UPA government was the initiator for all populist schemes including the two rupees rice that have been implemented in the state during last 5 years ,these parties were trying to mislead people of Orissa by taking credit for it”, she said.
Regarding the development of western part of the orissa, congress had constituted the Western Orissa Development council in the past but the alliance government after coming to power in the state has totally ‘distorted’ the very purpose of the council., she said,
Mrs. Gandhi told that the alliance government that remained in power for 11 years in the state did not continue even for an hour when question of seat sharing arose. While they were in power both parties were enjoying every thing, but now they were accusing one with other when they became apart with out analyzing their 11 years long government. “They have not only neglected development in Orissa, but also betrayed the people by breaking up their alliance on the eve of elections” she said.
Mrs. Gandhi said the government was playing like a toy in the hands of industrialists and sold water meant for irrigation to the industrial houses neglecting the interest of farmers. “With a ‘faulty industrial policy’ the government has sold the Hirakud dam water to in the hands of few industrial houses with out looking the interest of the farmers of the areas. But congress is convinced to tackle the water problems once it comes to the power”, she said.
She appealed the people to vote for the congress in both centre and state as the congress is the only party who will give good-governance to the people and take measures for the welfare of the people.
It may be mentioned here that Sanjay Bhoi, son of former congress leader Dr. Krupasindhu Bhoi has been nominated by the congress for Bargarh parliamentary constituency. Bhoi has lost last Lok Sabha election in 2004 with a small margin to BJD’s Prasanna Acharya.
(The End).