Dustbin on Biju Statue Creates Furore

CUTTACK: The clash between Congress workers and police at the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) office here has taken a nasty turn with allegations of desecration of the statue of former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik levelled against the Opposition party.As the party workers and police engaged in a scuffle, a dustbin was found perched on the statue covering the face of Bjiu Patnaik. The issue caused a furore and the bin was immediately removed.The BJD was quick to pounce on the issue accusing the Congress of insulting not only the legendary personality but also the entire State. “Only the Congress can show such disregard for the tallest leader of the soil. We demand strong action against the people guilty of such conduct”, Mayor Soumendra Ghosh said.The Congress, however, smelled a conspiracy behind the incident. “We have high regards for Biju Patnaik and cannot stoop to such low levels. It could be an act of outside elements. We call for an enquiry into the incident”, city president Md Mokim said.Several BJD corporators of Cuttack Municipal Corporation and employees also staged dharnas after the incident demanding action against the culprits.