Bhubaneswar: A controversy has erupted over a canteen operating from the BJD’s state headquarters, ‘Sankha Bhawan‘, with the BJP on Monday questioning its legitimacy. BJP leader Jagannath Pradhan said that operating a restaurant on the premises violates land use regulations as the property was allocated exclusively for operations of the political party on govt land.
Addressing a press conference here, Pradhan questioned the propriety of obtaining permission for a political office and subsequently transforming it into a commercial establishment to operate a restaurant. “We urge the govt to issue a showcause notice to BJD and the individuals responsible for such an unauthorised alteration. If they wish to continue the restaurant’s operations, the party office authorisation must be revoked immediately,” he added.
He also asked if a deficit in corporate funding compelled the BJD to implement such modifications. “We seek clarifications regarding the management of canteen operations in BJD’s office and the underlying motive,” Pradhan ssaid.
Refuting the allegations, senior BJD MLA Arun Kumar Sahoo defended the establishment, asserting that it merely serves as a canteen for party workers and visitors. “Numerous meetings are conducted daily at Sankha Bhawan,” he added.
Sahoo emphasised that Sankha Bhawan has evolved into a people’s platform. “Numerous party workers and visitors frequent the party headquarters. The canteen provides necessary sustenance,” the MLA remarked, adding the BJP was engaging in petty politics by raising such matters.