Two statues and a separating wall stoke controversy in Jagatsinghpur

By Express News Service

JAGATSINGHPUR: Installation of statue of former MLA late Bishnu Das subsequent to the idol of Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das, a legendary freedom fighter and pioneering social reformer, at native market in Raghunathpur has stoked controversy. After the transfer drew criticism, the administration in a bid to calm the nerves has determined to erect a wall between the 2 photographs.

Social activists and Congress members on Wednesday launched an indefinite starvation strike protesting set up of the picture of Das. His statue had been put in close to that of Utkalmani beneath one roof at Raghunathpur Bazaar by native BJD leaders who determined to unveil it on July 25 however native administration cancelled the occasion as a result of weekend shutdown and saved the statue coated.

Subsequently, each Congress and BJP members met Collector Sangram Keshari Mohapatra and Raghunathpur BDO Jitendra Nayak and submitted memorandum demanding to shift Das’ statue to a different spot on the bottom that it was disrespectful to Utkalmani. The problem was additionally opposed by many outfits of Jagatsinghpur together with Navnirman Krushak Sangathan.

Despite the opposition, the statue was unveiled on July 29 which was protested by each BJP and Congress employees. To pacify them, the native administration coated the picture and warranted the Opposition leaders to shift it elsewhere. However, the administration modified its determination and deliberate to erect a wall between the statues. It pressed employees to assemble the wall on Tuesday.  

Protesting this, the Krushak Sangathan and Congress leaders launched an indefinite starvation strike on the spot on the day and threatened to accentuate the stir if the statue of Das isn’t shifted.BDO Jitendra Nayak mentioned to keep up legislation and order scenario, the administration determined to separate the 2 statues by erecting a wall between the them and creating separate entrances. 

Three statues of the late MLA have been scheduled to be put in at Biridi, Raghunathpur and Tirtol blocks to commemorate his first loss of life anniversary on July 7.