Brahmapur, 22nd Sept 2025: Gopalpur MLA and State Minister of Mines & Steel and Transport, Bibhuti Jena, is once again in the spotlight — this time for forming what many are calling his own “mini cabinet”.
Earlier, the minister had announced representatives for different NACs and Brahmapur Municipal Corporation in his constituency. Now, in a surprising move, he has assigned specific departmental responsibilities to 19 of his close associates.
He has reportedly written a letter to the Ganjam District Collector on August 28, stating that this initiative aims to ensure effective implementation of various government schemes in the Gopalpur Assembly constituency.
The District Collector’s office confirmed receiving this letter on September 6, including the names of the individuals and the departments they’ve been assigned — such as police, mining, courts, etc. This letter has sparked widespread discussion and criticism across political and administrative circles.
Former Zilla Parishad Member Raises Objection
Former Zilla Parishad member N. Dumburu Reddy has strongly objected to the minister’s move, calling it undemocratic and irregular. He stated that:
No previous minister or MLA in the district has ever issued such a letter.
Some individuals entrusted with responsibilities have criminal cases against them, making it highly inappropriate to assign them departments like police, courts, or mining.
This appears to be a clear case of the minister encouraging criminal elements.
Dumburu Reddy has also expressed shock that Sunil Patra, one of the named individuals, has been assigned the Police, Mining, and Court departments, despite reportedly facing multiple criminal cases.
Call for Governor’s Intervention
Dumburu Reddy has:
Posted his objections on social media
Appealed to the Hon’ble Governor to intervene in this matter
Demanded that Minister Bibhuti Jena be immediately dismissed from the cabinet, citing a loss of moral authority
He argues that such moves undermine the neutrality of the judiciary and the integrity of the administration, and are a misuse of ministerial power to exert pressure on the district administratio