“The Minister had come to distribute ration cards to the beneficiaries amidst a tight police security. When I came and saw the cops in such big number, I could not make it whether the police deployment was for me or the minister,” said Rout who shared the podium along with Kulamani and Prafulla during the programme.

Lashing out at Kulamani, Rout further said, “The MP should be questioned about his contribution, as an MP, towards the people of Jagatsinghpur in the last five years. He should give a list explaining the number of times he has raised questions for the interest of the people of this constituency in the Parliament.”

“Mere false claims and spending through MPLAD fund will not work,” added Rout.

However, the W&CD Minister refuted Rout’s allegation and said, “Police were doing their work and we hadn’t called them. I think the police personnel took the step in order to maintain law and order.”

Reacting to Rout’s allegation, the MP said, “I have clearly said that if I have not done anything for the people in the last four and a half years of my tenure, there is no need to support me.”

Hitting back at Rout, Kulamani said that those (Rout) who have been in power for the last 40 years should instead be asked about the number of people employed in the industries developed during their reign.