Jagatsinghpur: Odisha BJP leaders and workers today protested 5T Secretary VK Pandian's visit to Jagatsinghpur district by releasing black balloons and wearing dress of same colour.

The protesters released the balloons into sky while Pandian was arriving in a helicopter. Such protests were staged by the members of BJP Yuva Morcha and BJP Mahila Morcha at Paradip, Kujang and Rahama in the district. Holding banner, they also raised "Pandian Go Back" slogan.

In Kujang, women members of the saffron party took out a rally opposing Pandian’s visit to Jagatsinghpur. Similarly, in Paradip, the BJP workers resorted to sloganeering and picketing in front of the ADM's office.

The national party has been accusing the 5T Secretary of being involved in political activities, announcing projects and addressing public gatherings with speeches having political overtones.

Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi and Odisha BJP President Manmohan Samal had earlier written to Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions of India, Government of India in this regard.

The Department of Personnel & Training, Government of India has written to the Odisha Chief Secretary directing the official to take 'appropriate action' against 5T Secretary VK Pandian on the basis of the complaint filed by the two BJP leaders.

Also read: Centre Directs Odisha Chief Secretary To Take Action Against VK Pandian.

However, BJD leader Prasanna Acharya has refuted the allegations of the BJP.

"The Chief Minister holds the authority in decision-making, and it is his responsibility to designate tasks to individuals. This does not indicate a relinquishment of the Chief Minister's power, but rather the allocation of specific responsibilities to party members and government officials. The CM possesses the constitutional right to assign any government official with relevant tasks. Additionally, the Chief Minister has instructed ministers and the Chief Secretary to engage with the public directly. Instead of making baseless allegations, the opposition should also focus on serving the people," said Acharya.

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