BJD’s Pravat Tripathy Alleges Corruption, Financial Irregularities In Bali Yatra

Cuttack: Senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and former Banki MLA Pravat Tripathy accused the Cuttack district administration of massive and financial irregularities in this year’s Bali Yatra.

The ex-lawmaker also demanded the state government launched a special audit to find out the revenue and actual expenditure of the carnival.

Holding a press meet on Friday, Tripathy lambasted the district administration for taking arbitrary decisions pertaining to Bali Yatra. He also condemned the singing of Naveen bhajan on Bali Yatra stage.

Speaking to media persons, he said, “After a gap of two years, the historic Bali Yatra commemorating the rich maritime trade of Odisha was held. Being General Secretary of Maha Nagar Shanti Committee and Puja Committee, I would like to say Bali Yatra which is all set to get national festival tag should be conducted under the direct guidance of the state government from next year onwards.”

“Though Cuttack Zilla Sanskruti Samiti is taking care of the festival, the carnival is missing transparency. A few administrative officials take the whole decision regarding the fair. From size of the plot to rent of the plot and buyers of the plots, everything is decided by a few administrative officials,” Tripathy alleged.

Neither people’s representatives nor the public have been taken into confidence during plot allotment, price finalization and organization of cultural programmes.

Only the big traders were able to purchase land and common vendors were deprived of their business due to sudden hike in the price of plot, he alleged.

The arbitrary decision of the administration has destroyed the rich repute of the historic fair, he said, demanding a special audit on the income and expenditure of the event.

The former legislator also demanded the Bali Yatra should be organized under the direct supervision of State government.