Bhubaneswar: A tense exchange unfolded between Congress leader and Jeypore MLA Taraprasad Bahinipati and Nabarangpur MP Balabhadra Majhi during the inauguration of the ‘Koraput Parab’ festival on Saturday. The situation was diffused only after the intervention of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi.
The altercation occurred as various dignitaries took to the stage to make their speeches. MLA Bahinipati presented several demands advocating for them as needs of the Koraput district. Later, MP Majhi went to the stage and countered Taraprasad over the slow progress in the restoration funds for Jagannath Sagar in Jeypore.
Following MP Majhi’s remarks, MLA Bahinipati became visibly agitated, prompting Chief Minister Majhi to step forward to mitigate the tension. The Chief Minister assured the audience that government efforts would indeed support the restoration of Jagannath Lake, which helped ease the confrontation.
Post-event, Bahinipati expressed his belief that MP Majhi’s statements stemmed from misinformation. He also reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for the all-round development needs of Koraput.
“Maybe, he was given false information. He has understood now and admitted that the Jagannath Sagar requires immediate renovation. I also personally requested the Chief Minister to sanction around Rs 40-50 crore for the renovation work,” Jeypore MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati said.
On the other hand, CM Mohan Majhi also reiterated that his government is committed to the development of Koraput and assured necessary funds for the renovation work.
“Jagannath Sagar is one of the largest lakes of Odisha. It requires renovation. First, we will conduct a DPR and then, necessary funds will be sanctioned accordingly,” CM Mohan Majhi stated.
