Addressing a Press meet here, Harichandan said, “Centre had given Rs 16,000 crore to Odisha in last seven years, including Rs 4,436Cr in 2020-21, to help poor people during COVID19 pandemic. But they have been forced to leave the State in search of work outside as they have not been provided employment under the MGNREGA,” alleged Harichandan.
Alleging irregularities in execution of MGNREGA in over 6,000 gram panchayats under the 314 blocks in the State, Harichandan demanded that the State Government resolve the issue in 15 days’ time or else the BJP would take to the streets in protest. “Even, the BJP will move court to seek a CBI probe into the alleged MGNREGA scam,” threatened Harichandan.