Congress Alleges Irregularities in Khariar NAC, Gives Government 7-Day Deadline at Press Conference

Khariar, July 20 A press conference was organized by the Nuapada District Congress Committee at Mangalmurti Hotel in Khariar on Monday. The meeting was led by former Congress MLA candidate for the Khariar Assembly constituency, Kamal Charan Tandi, who levelled serious allegations of irregularities and corruption in various developmental works undertaken by the Khariar NAC. Addressing the media, Tandi alleged that Khariar NAC Chairperson Umesh Gupta joined the BJP to seek political protection from allegations of corruption in various government projects. He claimed that the move was aimed at shielding himself from accountability. He further alleged that large-scale irregularities had taken place in the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Housing Scheme), MUKTA Scheme, road construction projects, and several other developmental works under the Khariar NAC. He demanded an impartial investigation into all the alleged irregularities and urged the government and the district administration to initiate strict action against those found guilty. The Congress leaders warned that if the government and the administration fail to take concrete action on these allegations within seven days, the party will launch a protest by gheraoing the Khariar NAC office and intensify its agitation. Among those present at the press conference were Prabin Ranjan Pattnaik, President of Khariar Town Congress Committee; Buddhadev Behera, President of Khariar Block Congress Committee; Bhagirathi Dandsena, President of Boden Block Congress Committee; and Pradeep Behera, President of the Youth Congress.