Bizodisha Bureau, Puri, January 3, 2015: The ruling Biju Janata Dal [BJD] appears to be on attack for bungling the distribution of ration cards.

The opposition Congress workers on Sunday hurled eggs and tomatoes at the vehicle of Food and Consumer Welfare Minister Sanjay Das Burma parked on the premises of Special Circuit House here alleging large-scale irregularities in the allotment of ration cards to beneficiaries under National Food Security Act (NFSA).

Around half dozen activists of Congress bearing flags in their hands barged into the premises shouting slogans against the minister and chief minister Naveen Patnaik over irregularities in ration card allocation.

“Naveen Patnaik government is anti-poor. The ruling party leaders have obtained ration cards which is meant for poor people. The Congress won’t tolerate this anymore. Food and Consumer Welfare Minister Sanjay Das Burma should resign from his post,” a Congress agitator demanded.

The activists alleged that the people’s representatives owing allegiance to the ruling party in the state have enrolled themselves to avail the benefits of subsidised food grains scheme. Despite their names figuring in the list, the government isn’t initiating action against them.

A ration card was issued in the name of Sabita Patra, wife of Puri Zilla Parishad president Dibakar Patra. The matter was suppressed very diligently.

“Puri Zilla Parishad president Dibakar Patra is doing vote bank politics. He played a major role in Sanjay Das Burma winning elections. That is the reason why he is frightened to take action against Patra. He had won the elections with narrow margin of 300 votes and with the help of Patra. If the Naveen Patnaik government is doing clean governance then prove it by initiating action against him,” another agitator alleged.

Incidientally, Puri Zilla Parishad vice-president Sakhimani Baral, chairpersons of Nimapara block Sumitra Sahu and Gop block Sabita Sahu also figure in the list of beneficiaries.