KORAPUT (ODISHA): Biju Janata Dal MLA from Odisha’s Malkangiri, Manas Madkami, — was caught on the wrong foot when a visual showing him being carried by his supporters to cross a water-logged stretch during his visit to Motu area in the district on Tuesday flashed on various news channels. According to reports, two supporters lend the MLA a free carriage through their hands and shoulders and waded through ankle-deep water to carry him to a dry patch. Reportedly, they did this to save the MLA’s expensive shoes from getting wet.
Asked, the MLA reacted behind camera that it was his supporters who were excited enough to lift him through water. Sources said the MLA along with the local MP had visited four panchayats of Motu area in the district to take stock of welfare projects. It was when he proceeded to inspect the ferry launch service in the area he came across the water stream.
Social workers strongly criticised the MLA’s action and said he behaved like a medieval period zamindar. “In good old days, zamindars were being carried on palanquins. Sometimes, they were also being carried on shoulders by people working as bonded labourers. The MLA should not have used human beings palanquins to cross the water body,” said Gouranga Rout, a noted social worker.
In another incident in the state secretariat, Bhubaneswar, Congress MLA from Kotpad Chandrasekhar Majhi on Wednesday got into a controversy after a tiff with security personnel. The MLA forcibly tried to enter the Secretariat through Gate No 1 on a bike flouting the security norms laid down for entry into the premises. As per the Secretariat security norms, pedestrians and bikers are not allowed to enter the secretariat through Gate No 1. There are other gates earmarked for the two wheelers.
On being asked, Mr Majhi said he was not aware of the prohibitory rules. “I felt insulted when intercepted by security personnel. I didn’t misbehave with them, it was just a verbal tiff,” said the legislator in his defence.
