Baripada: A cultural programme was organised by the district administration on the occasion of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s visit at Baripada Chhau ground.
While artistes performed ‘Rangabati’ dance, some women party leaders, SHG members and visitors also joined it, giving a colourful start to the meeting. There were a number of interesting sidelights during the programme. Here are some of them.
Naveen’s fan asked to leave:
Khageswar Dehury, a man from Bargarh who is a diehard fan of CM Naveen Patnaik, was seen at the ground draped in a shirt made out of BJD flags. He was also seen waiving a BJD flag. On noticing him, a state level woman leader asked him to leave the ground with the flag as the function was a government programme. Later, Khageswar watched the function without the flag.
Water problem:
Women from different parts thronged the ground since 9 am. The district administration though arranged everything at the meeting ground, the women were seen asking for water. The thirsty women reportedly snatched away water bottles from cartons which were being carried to spot by some members of Biju Yuva Bahini.
Photo craze:
As the CM’s visit was not a party affair, the local leaders had little scope for interference. However, as soon as the CM alighted from the dais, they chose the occasion to pose for photographs with him.
Media sidelined:
Media representatives were reportedly neglected by the district administration. There were hardly any arrangements for the journalists. Hence media professionals questioned the organisers at the end of the programme. They also warned that the local media would boycott any future programme of the CM if such a treatment is meted out.
Ministers, senior leaders absent:
Only women were seen sharing the stage with the CM. While a few leaders were seen at the meeting place, known faces were conspicuous by their absence. However, leaders of Mahila Morcha took part in the meeting.
Vulgar song:
Prior to the meeting, a cultural programme was organised. Some women alleged that a singer sang several songs having vulgar contents. As their compliant was taken lightly, it triggered dissatisfaction. On the other hand the district’s traditional dances were not presented.
Chhau and Jhumar dance:
Naveen Patnaik came direct to the Chhau ground from the helipad at Police Reserve Ground through Sports Hostel. On the way he was welcomed with Chhau and Jhumar dance. The CM made an announcement to set up a Chhau dance research centre. Researcher Subhashree Mukherjee and Bibhudutta Das thanked Naveen for the announcement.
Presence of Pandian:
Naveen’s personal secretary V Karthikeyan Pandian served Mayurbhanj as its Collector earlier. He accompanied the CM to the meeting spot. But he was not seen on the dais. However, he frequented the dais to pass on information to the CM.
PNN
