KalingaTV News Network
Bhubaneswar: Rajya Sabha MP and Founder of KISS & KIIT Dr. Achyuta Samanta on Sunday ruled out his alleged hand behind the ongoing agitation in front of Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Ltd (IMFA) plant at Therubali in Rayagada district as shown by a regional channel.
Speaking to Kalinga TV Dr. Samanta said, “A particular Odia TV channel is showing my photo which has been taken with tribal leader Jitu Jakasika. They (the channel) is leveling false allegation against me. It has pained me so much that I cannot express in words.”
“I have been serving the tribal people of the state and working tirelessly for their development for the last 26 years. But, the news channel is continuously airing news against me, KISS & KIIT. However, I have never used any tribal or anybody to gain anything for myself or KISS & KIIT,” he added.
He further said, “There is no tribal leader in the state and outside the state who doesn’t know me or has taken photo with me whenever we have met. However, showing those photos and leveling false allegations against me has hurt me a lot. I strongly condemn and dismiss such false allegations and leave the entire matter to the tribals who will say what the truth is.”
The state BJP had also termed the tribal protest as a state-sponsored act yesterday.
Notably, Tribals of seven panchayats in Rayagada district have been agitating over fulfilment of a 9-point charter of demands which include basic amenities and jobs and training to unemployed youths in IMFA.
Kalinga AI