Sarpanch locks Mission Shakti cafe in Odisha’s Jharsuguda over inauguration row

Laikera: Sarpanch of Laikera yesterday locked a Mission Shakti café which was inaugurated less than 12 hours ago by Jharsuguda MLA Dipali Das, alleging that the former was not invited to the inauguration ceremony and also her name was not mentioned in the nameplate affixed for the purpose.

The untoward incident was reported from Laikera block in the district.

According to a source, after being ignored which gave rise to controversy, the lady people’s representative named Priyambada Behera locked the main gate of the cafe.

“Local leaders from other parties were invited to the inaugural ceremony; whereas, I was ignored. This hurt my sentiments for which I locked the café,” expressed sarpanch Priyambada.

It is said that the Mission Shakti café was hurriedly inaugurated as 5T Secretary VK Pandian is to visit Jharsuguda on August 19. He will be in the district on a two-day official tour.

MLA Das inaugurated the café in the presence of Collector Aboli Sunil Naravane and several others.