BJD says Jagi Panda behind CII’s withdrawal from Make in Odisha Conclave!

Bhubaneswar: The ruling BJD on Wednesday blamed Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) eastern zone chairperson Jagi Mangat Panda for industry body’s withdrawal from Make in Odisha Conclave 2018.

BJD Rajya Sabha member Pratap Deb said that it could be Jagi Mangat Panda and some other “influential individual” using pressure tactics on the CII (Odisha chapter) to distance itself from the Make in Odisha conclave.

Jagi Mangat Panda is the wife of Kendrapara Lok Sabha member Baijyanta Panda, who was recently suspended from BJD for anti-party activities.

“Jagi Mangat Panda, the wife of Kendrapara MP Baijayant Panda, made the decision of pulling out of CII from the Make in Odisha conclave as she didn’t want the industrial growth of our state,” said Deb.

“CII had been working with the state government for the Make in Odisha conclave until Jagi Mangat Panda becomes Chairperson of CII, Eastern Region,” he alleged.

The industry body would not partner for the second edition of the Make in Odisha conclave scheduled in November this year.

Reacting to the BJD allegations, Jagi Mangat Panda asked the ruling party not to drag her into politics.

She said being the chairperson of CII eastern zone chairperson, she would extend support to Make In Odisha Conclave to make it successful.

The CII has recently informed the Industries Department regarding its inability to partner for the conclave citing prior engagements during the proposed dates for the conclave.