BJD senior vice-president Debi Prasad Mishra and the president of the party’s women wing, Snehangini Chhuria, launched a fierce critique of the BJP administration regarding “significant irregularities” in the housing scheme during a press conference held in Bhubaneswar.
This criticism from the BJD emerged just two days after a video featuring K C Patra, Odisha’s Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare minister, went viral, in which he appeared to discuss monetary exchanges in relation to selecting beneficiaries for the housing scheme.
While PTI has not been able to independently confirm the video’s authenticity, Mishra presented it to journalists, highlighting that the survey guidelines from the Panchayati Raj Department were not adhered to, a fact acknowledged by the minister himself.
“During his visit to Gahamkhunti village in Dhenkanal Sadar Block, the minister admitted that eligible beneficiaries were denied housing benefits. He also stated that homes were distributed after money was exchanged,” Mishra said.
Additionally, the BJD senior vice-president accused the minister of making inappropriate remarks towards the BDO (block development officer) and the woman PEO (panchayat extension officer). As a result, the PEO Association has filed a complaint with the District Collector. Mishra emphasized that such conduct towards a woman government employee is unacceptable in a civilized society.
Chhuria also denounced the minister’s comments regarding the woman government employee.
Mishra further claimed that BJP leaders are exerting influence during the geo-tagging process, which has led to genuine beneficiaries being left out of the scheme. Despite the approval of 1,01,000 houses over the past two years, only 3,154 have been completed. Moreover, 2.25 lakh houses were sanctioned under the Antyodaya Housing Scheme, he indicated.
BJP spokesperson Surath Biswal responded, stating, “The minister has shown concern for the poor families excluded from the housing scheme. The government has already taken steps against certain officials.” BJD leaders are calling for a comprehensive investigation into the housing scam and have urged the state government to ensure that authentic beneficiaries are included in the scheme and provided with housing in compliance with established guidelines.
