IGH issue: Dillip Ray to boycott Odisha BJP’s Vikas Utsav

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Jun 4: 

Irked over the delay in improvement of facilities at Ispat General Hospital (IGH) in Odisha’s Rourkela, Senior BJP leader and Rourkela MLA Dillip Ray today announced that he would boycott his party’s ‘Vikas Utsav’ scheduled to be held in the town on Monday.

Speaking to reporters today, Ray made his displeasure known against Union Steel Ministry and its Minister Narendra Singh Tomar who would be part of the meeting this Monday.

He also complained that the ministry is ignoring orders of the Prime Minister.

“During his tour to Odisha’s Rourkela, Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised of a medical college and Brahmani bridge. The final tender on the bridge is already over and work is likely to begin by September. However, so far as the medical college – which is a must for us – goes, only a consultant has been selected. The consultant has submitted a report. The next set of paperwork should take 2-3 months. However, it has been delayed for over 14 months even after the Prime Minister’s intervention,” said Ray.

“I have met the Steel Minister on my own and along with Jual Oram at least seven-eight times and have sent many letters. However, no action has been taken. I have been the Steel Minister myself. I don’t understand the reason behind the delay in this case. I have to be answerable to my constituents and under such circumstances I would not be able to be part of the Vikas Utsav,” he added.

Similar sentiments were echoed by Odisha BJP’s lone Lok Sabha MP Jual Oram. He, however, added that the party would try to pacify Ray before the event.

“I can understand why Dillip Ray made such a statement. I have been to meet the Steel Minister along with him on many occasions on the IGH issue and am unhappy over the delay. However, there are many factors behind the delay including delay in appointment of CEO, Chairman and consultant among others. I can assure you that things will fall in place. Things are improving fast on the bridge front. We will discuss this issue with him and take him onboard,” said Oram.