Does Chief Minister Eat Mango Kernel to Preserve Tribal Tradition, Asks Bijoy Mohapatra

Bhubaneswar: Veteran political leader Bijoy Mohapatra has launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Odisha government over the death of two tribal women and hospitalization of six others due to consumption of mango kernel in Kandhamal district.

Mohapatra met the families of the victims in Mandipanka village under Daringbadi block of Kandhamal district.

The veteran political leader, who was accompanied by former Deputy Speaker Saluga Pradhan, wanted to know under what circumstances did the villagers eat mango kernel.

Addressing a press conference in Phulbani, Bijoy Mohapatra has strongly criticized the failure of the state government for this incident. Because of this, the image of Odisha has been tarnished, he said.

The government is clarifying that mango kernel is the traditional food of the tribal people. The Chief Minister is from a tribal community. Is he eating mango kernel to preserve the tribal tradition, asked Mohapatra?

Mango Kernel is not a traditional food by any means. Tribals are eating it due to hunger. The government has failed to address hunger in tribal areas. Such a situation has arisen in the village due to irregular supply of rice, he said.

What is most unfortunate is that even after such a sensitive incident in the state, nether the Chief Minister nor any member of the cabinet visited Kandhamal. It shows utter disregard for the tribals, he added.