Bhubaneswar, (Orissa Today), June 25: Significant demolition work is reportedly ongoing at the government quarters allocated to senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and former Odisha MLA Pranab Prakash Das in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday. Approximately 20 individuals are involved in the demolition process at the quarters belonging to the BJD’s organisational secretary.
While large structures are being dismantled, the responsible party behind the demolition remains unclear for the sprawling complex situated in the city center.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that the building underwent extensive renovations costing several crores of rupees. However, it remains uncertain whether these expenses were incurred during the tenure of the previous BJD government or by Das himself. The premises were reportedly used for crucial meetings by BJD leaders. It is not immediately clear whether Das himself authorized the demolition activity.
Das, a former Minister, recently contested the elections for the Sambalpur Lok Sabha constituency but was defeated by BJP leader and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Consequently, questions have arisen about Das vacating the government quarters.
Concerns are now emerging regarding the legality of the costly renovations carried out at the official residence, particularly regarding whether proper permissions were obtained for such construction.
Explaining the rationale behind the demolition, Pranab Prakash Das mentioned that government quarters must be returned in their original condition.
He informed the media that a temporary extension was constructed within the official residential complex to accommodate numerous BJD leaders and workers visiting him during his tenure as the party’s organisational secretary.
