BHUBANESWAR: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik’s private secretary (5T) V K Pandian on Friday made a veiled attack on Gopalpur MLA Pradeep Panigrahy for attempting to sabotage the state government’s efforts of allowing the return of Ganjam people stuck outside the state during the Covid pandemic.
Without naming Panigrahy, who was expelled from the BJD in November 2020 for alleged corrupt activities, Pandian told the crowd at Rangeilunda during a grievance redressal programme, “An elected representative from Ganjam district had called up chief minister during Covid and said that Ganjam and Odisha would be doomed if people from other states were brought back to the district.”
Pandian said the MLA’s words had irked and greatly pained the chief minister, who said that an elected representative should always be compassionate and serve their constituents 24x7, especially during crises.
“The chief minister did not tell anything to the particular MLA and asked us to ensure quick and safe return of the people of Ganjam from other states during the pandemic. When thousands of people started returning to Ganjam, this MLA and his men tried to spread bias, hatred and fear among people. They spread lies on social media and criticised the Covid management in Ganjam,” Pandian said, adding, that the people in Ganjam and frontline Covid warriors were deeply hurt by the legislator’s activities.
The 5T secretary said Naveen had immediately convened a video conference with all sarpanchs and Mission Shakti groups, and urged them to fight against Covid. Pandian said that serving the people has been the prime agenda of the chief minister. The government’s Covid management paid off in Ganjam and many people could be saved, he added. “The chief minister said it is a sin when someone thinks of personal agenda and gain by neglecting people in need,” the 5T secretary said.
Panigrahy, who was earlier booed and opposed by BJD supporters in his constituency on Friday for his alleged involvement in a job scam, could not be reached for comment.
