Bhartruhari Mahtab and Debasish Samantray have clashed over criticism regarding the "garbage dump."
BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab and BJD MP Debasish Samantray clashed over Mahtab's 'garbage dump' comment during a diamond jubilee event in Cuttack. Mahtab criticized the state's corruption, while Samantray sought clarification on who he referred to.
Jayadev Lenka
During the diamond jubilee celebration of Ahemmed Bux High School in Nischintakoili block, Cuttack district, BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab made a statement about 'garbage dumps' in the State, suggesting that those responsible should be put in jail. This led to a war of words between Mahtab and BJD MP Debasish Samantray.
"Those responsible for creating 'garbage dumps' should be imprisoned. This will require more jail cells, and we should allocate proper funds in the budget. The garbage dumps need to be removed immediately. The government with a double engine needs to work twice as fast. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has firmly supported us," said Mahtab in his speech. In response, Samantray said it would have been better if Mahtab had been clearer about the 'garbage dumps.'
"Mahtab should have been clear about the 'garbage dumps'. Are they in BJP or BJD, or are they the responsibility of the public of Odisha? He should have mentioned this earlier during his 30-year tenure as an MP. The party would have been aware then. The new government now has to uncover the corruption," said Samantray.
Meanwhile, senior journalist Akshay Sahu suggested that Mahtab is referring to the corruption that was widespread during the tenure of the previous BJD government.
"Some leaders in BJD were deeply involved in corruption, such as mining, chit fund and land grab scams, and other irregularities. There was a close connection between the leaders and the officials. Corruption was also present in the 5T and Mo Odisha Naveen Odisha initiatives. Mahtab has pointed out these irregularities," said Sahu.
"Under the BJD's leadership, severe punishment was given to those who spoke out against these irregularities. That's why Mahtab chose to speak out after the formation of BJP government," he added.
