Minister with BJD flag annoys BJP at Gadkari ceremony

BHUBANESWAR: Tension gripped the inaugural ceremony of widened Bhubaneswar-Puri NH-316 at Pipili on Thursday following a face-off between BJP and BJD supporters.
Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the national highway in the presence of a host of dignitaries from both BJP and BJD. Chief minister Naveen Patnaik was also present.
It all began when BJP supporters opposed Pipili MLA Pradeep Maharathy's action of wrapping a BJD flag around his neck while sitting on the dais.Maharathy was forced to remove it.
In his speech, Maharathy took a dig at the BJP leaders present on the dais for not placing his name in the official advertisement of Gadkari's programme released to media. "I am the local MLA and this is my area. Omitting my name will cost the Centre dear," he said.
BJD leaders attempted to downplay it. "Maharathy said this in a lighter vein. He was not serious," said BJD spokesperson Samir Dash.
In a show of strength, supporters of both BJP and BJD shouted pro-party slogans when their respective party leaders delivered speeches on the dais. Police had a trying time controlling them.
Gadkari accorded NH status to the 90-km Jagannath Sadak (from Chandanpur to Rameswar via Nirakarpur). "Detailed project report will be prepared soon," he said.
The Union minister met the chief minister here and discussed the progress of ongoing NHAI works in the state.