Binjharpur,10th Oct 2025: The no-confidence motion that was to be brought against Ranpur Panchayat Sarpanch Riyanka Jena of Binjharpur Block has been suspended. This was informed through a letter (No. 15165, dated 08/10/25) from the Jajpur Sub-Collector.
The no-confidence motion was initiated under the leadership of Naib Sarpanch Bhanumali Samal, with support from 10 ward members, who submitted a written request to Jajpur Sub-Collector Tapas Ranjan Dehuri. The Sub-Collector had set a date in October for voting on the motion.
However, on October 1 (Wednesday), a serious allegation emerged that Ward No. 3 member Dhaneswar Sethy was abducted by supporters allegedly backing the Sarpanch. Following the incident, tensions escalated in the area. Dhaneswar’sv wife, Pushpalata Sethy, filed a complaint at Binjharpur Police Station, after which Case No. 456/25 was registered and investigation started.
V
Despite 8 days having passed, the police have not yet located either the kidnappers or the abducted ward member, intensifying tension within Ranpur Panchayat. Naib Sarpanch Samal and 9 other ward members informed the Sub-Collector that holding a vote in this environment could disrupt law and order and cause harm to life and property. They demanded the voting be postponed until the missing ward member is recovered.
Accepting their request, the Sub-Collector suspended the no-confidence vote for an indefinite period. The Binjharpur Tehsildar and Police Station Officer-in-Charge were advised to closely monitor the law and order situation. The police were also instructed via Letter No. 15165/25 to rescue the abducted ward member Dhaneswar Sethy immediately.
The Panchayat has a total of 14 elected ward members, of whom 8 were earlier disqualified by the District Collector for not attending the monthly Panchayat meetings. Due to these disqualifications, obstacles had arisen in receiving development grants and implementing government projects.
Of the remaining 6 members, 4 lodged a written complaint with the Sub-Collector, requesting a no-confidence motion. However, due to the ongoing crisis and disappearance of a ward member, the motion has now been shelved.
Sarpanch of Angalo Panchayat Resigns Before No-Confidence Vote
Bari, Oct 8 (Mahendra Swain):
In a separate case, Sarpanch Shaguntala Mallick of Angalo Panchayat under Bari Block resigned from her post on Wednesday, a day before the scheduled no-confidence vote on Thursday, October 9.
Following complaints from ward members and with the vote date already set, the administration had made all necessary security preparations. However, before the vote could take place, the Sarpanch submitted her resignation letter to the BDO.
This move is seen as a political strategy to avoid the no-confidence process.
No responses yet