In a decisive victory for public interest, BJP Corporator Bandita Pal of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation’s Ward No. 37 has ended her 10-day indefinite hunger strike and 17-day mass dharna after Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi intervened and directed that a disputed government plot be used for essential civic facilities instead of private parking.
The land in question, Plot No. 892, had long been at the centre of controversy. Residents and the corporator had demanded that it be reserved for a dedicated Ward Office, a Senior Citizen Home and a Mission Shakti building rather than being allotted to a private builder for parking. Allegations of illegal control by the builder, administrative indifference and even the demolition of a government boundary wall and official boards had fuelled the agitation.
According to a press statement issued by Corporator Pal, the Chief Minister prioritised the interests of the people and instructed the General Administration Department and the Housing & Urban Development Department to proceed with the public projects. Following discussions with Law and Works Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, written directions were issued for the construction of the Ward Office along with the Mission Shakti and Senior Citizen facilities. The GA Department has already given land clearance, and the plot has been transferred to the BMC.
“This is a victory for the common people,” Corporator Pal said. “The government has honoured the voice of the public and put their welfare first.” She thanked the Chief Minister for the prompt action, expressed gratitude to the residents of Ward 37 for their steadfast support throughout the 17-day struggle, and noted that the resolution has infused fresh hope among the people. She added that the development will accelerate progress in the ward and further strengthen public confidence in the Chief Minister.
The protest had escalated after earlier administrative measures proved insufficient. Although parking permission granted to the builder was later kept in abeyance under public pressure, the absence of concrete steps to secure the land for public use led Pal to intensify the agitation with a hunger strike. Health concerns had grown as the fast continued, with medical teams from Capital Hospital monitoring her condition.
With the land now cleared and allotted for public amenities, the corporator has broken her fast. The episode underscores the impact of sustained public pressure and the government’s stated commitment to prioritising citizens’ needs over private interests in Bhubaneswar’s civic affairs.
BJP Corporator Sits on Protest in Bhubaneswar Over ‘Unlawful’ Land Allotment to Builder
