TNI Bureau: Ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament beginning July 20, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Rajya Sabha MP and Leader of the BJD Parliamentary Party, Manas Mangaraj, has alleged that the Odisha Government is deliberately preventing BJD Members of Parliament from utilizing their Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) funds.

Addressing the media after participating in the All-Party Meeting in New Delhi, Mangaraj claimed that although MPs have been demanding an increase in MPLADS allocation from the existing ₹5 crore, the immediate concern in Odisha is that even the sanctioned funds are not being allowed to be spent.

According to him, since the BJP assumed power in Odisha in 2024, several proposals submitted by BJD MPs under MPLADS have remained pending, delaying developmental works across constituencies. Citing his own experience in the Chilika Assembly segment, Mangaraj alleged that despite recommending several projects, officials have failed to execute them. He further claimed that while the expenditure comes from MPs’ allocated funds, inauguration plaques often carry the names of ministers instead of the concerned MPs.

The senior BJD leader accused the State Government of creating an administrative mechanism to obstruct BJD MPs from utilizing their development funds. He alleged that proposals have remained pending for nearly two years despite repeated follow-ups, depriving people of essential infrastructure and public welfare projects.

Mangaraj said he had already raised the matter before the Parliamentary Department-related Committee and informed Union Ministers during the All-Party Meeting. He added that the issue would be strongly pursued during the Monsoon Session, seeking a separate discussion in Parliament.

Apart from the MPLADS issue, the BJD has finalized an extensive agenda for the Monsoon Session. The party will raise concerns over alleged errors in Odisha’s school textbooks introduced under the New Education Policy, claiming they have affected the education of over 40 lakh students. It will also target the BJP Government in Odisha over its two-year performance, agrarian distress, deteriorating law and order, inadequate coal royalty for the State, and issues concerning rising prices and ethanol blending in petrol.

Reiterating the party’s commitment to Odisha’s interests, Mangaraj said the BJD would cooperate in the smooth functioning of Parliament while forcefully raising issues affecting the rights and welfare of the people of the State.