Bhubaneswar, January 13: A heated exchange between Odisha's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the main opposition, Biju Janata Dal (BJD), erupted on Monday over allegations that the BJD's headquarters, Sankha Bhawan, in Bhubaneswar has been converted into a canteen.
BJP leader Jagannath Pradhan had criticized the BJD for allegedly turning its party office into a hotel, claiming that the plot on which the headquarters was built was leased to the party for office purposes only.
He questioned why the BJD would need to operate a restaurant, suggesting that it was a sign of financial strain after the end of their 24-year rule in Odisha. "The BJD has constructed a palace-like office with funds allegedly sourced from corporate donations. Now, are they running a restaurant to maintain their office after these donations stopped coming in?" Pradhan remarked.
Pradhan also called for the state government to intervene and take strict action against the BJD, warning that failing to do so could set a harmful precedent for other political parties. He referred to the lease documents, which, according to him, stipulate that the plot is designated solely for office use and that any change in its use requires prior approval from authorities.
In response, senior BJD leader Arun Sahoo dismissed the BJP's accusations as an attempt to engage in "cheap politics."
He explained that the canteen at Sankha Bhawan is primarily used by BJD workers attending party programs and events, as it is a regular gathering spot. "Many government and private offices have their canteens, where people eat, and our party workers do the same at Sankha Bhawan," Sahoo stated.
