A major political controversy has erupted in Odisha after Ganjam Chief Development Officer (CDO) Samir Kumar Jena filed a formal police complaint against Asika MLA Saroj Padhi, accusing him of misbehaviour and issuing threats.
The dispute reportedly stemmed from a disagreement over the distribution of emergency relief following recent flood and storm damage across the region.
According to sources, the interaction between the elected representative and the administrative officer turned contentious, leading the CDO to approach the police station seeking action and protection.
Following the filing of the complaint, the situation escalated politically, prompting Asika MLA Saroj Padhi to report to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) in Bhubaneswar. Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari was also present during the high-level meeting at the CMO to review the development and mediate the ongoing conflict between local governance administration and political leadership.
The state government is closely monitoring the matter as administrative associations and political circles react to the high-profile standoff in Ganjam district.
