Malkangiri: In Malkangiri district, due to the lack of action on a no-confidence proposal against the Chairperson of the Podia Block, all local public representatives collectively boycotted the independent committee meeting that was convened by the administration.
Seven Samiti members and six Sarpanches from eight panchayats of the block, along with local residents, gathered in front of the block office, raised slogans, and demanded the expulsion of the Chairperson.
According to the public representatives, Block Chairperson Yamuna Mushaki has been misbehaving with grassroots representatives and allegedly “selling” developmental works to contractors. It is claimed that advance payments are taken from contractors and that without such payments, bills are not signed or files are not processed. These files are reportedly kept with the Chairperson for months.
This misconduct had long been a source of dissatisfaction. In April, all local representatives submitted a no-confidence motion against the Chairperson to the Sub-Collector. Although the Sub-Collector acknowledged receipt of the complaint and assured action, no steps were taken.
The independent committee meeting had been convened to discuss the “Developed Village – Developed Odisha” initiative and the state’s economic budget, but all members boycotted the meeting in protest.
Present at today’s protest were:
Vice-Chairperson Kalyan B. Biswas, local Sarpanch Ganga Karam, Samiti member Purnima Madhu, Undur Sarpanch Kanan Bez, Samiti member Gayatri Madkami, Sarpanches Senga Madkami, Chandra Padiami, Laxman Madkami, Akash Kodi, Debe Madhi, Mbo Bagam, Nanda Madkami, Sarita Kunj, BJD Block President C.H. Rabit Kumar, Vice President Subash Bhowmik, M. Ravi Madri, Anjan Biswas, Bishwajit Biswas, M. Samson, Indrajit Madhu, Anda Madhi, Shankar Srinu, Budhimati Ray, B. Ramesh, C.H. Sundar Rao, N. Saban, T. Arun, among others.