Cong stages Malkangiri bandh; demands MLA’s arrest

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Malkangiri, Sep 4:

Life remained completely paralyzed in Odisha’s southern most Malkangiri district in response to a dawn-to-dusk bandh call given by the district unit of the Congress demanding dismissal and arrest of BJD MLA from Chitrakonda- Dambaru Sisa.

According to the Congress, Sisa, BJD MLA from Chitrakonda, who belongs to the Bonda community, declared as a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG), had allegedly sought a bribe of Rs 4.5 crore from a private power producer which plans to set up a solar power project in Chitrakonda in the district.

While shops, government and private establishments, schools and colleges remained closed, vehicular traffic remained off the roads bringing life to a grinding halt in the entire district.

In most places, Congress workers set fire to old automobile tyres to block roads, while picketing in front of government offices and banks.

Former Congress MP from Nabarangpur Pradeep Majhi was seen in full control of the show, leading hundreds of Congress workers at the Malkangiri bus stand.

“There is a serious allegation against Chitrakonda MLA Dambaru Sisa. He has demanded Rs 4.5 crore from a company which wants to set up a solar power project in Chitrakonda. This has surprised one and all in the state. People in large numbers had voted for Sisa, a youth belonging to the Bonda community, and had got him elected to the Odisha Assembly to serve the people of this area, but he is neck deep in corruption. There are several allegations against him of collecting huge amounts from officers, mill owners and contractors in the district. He has constructed huge buildings at Khairput and Semeliguda with funds collected through illegal means. The people of Malkangiri, who had sent him to the Assembly with great hope, have taken to the streets today to protest the breach of trust. Shops and establishments, schools and colleges, banks and offices have remained closed and no vehicles are plying on the roads in protest. This agitation will continue till Dambaru Sisa is arrested and loses his  membership of the Assembly,” said Pradip Majhi speaking to reporters.