BJD suspects Jagi Mangat’s role behind CII move on Make in Odisha conclave

BHUBANESWAR: The BJD on Wednesday suspected the role of Jagi Mangat Panda, eastern zone chairperson of CII and wife of suspended party MP Baijayant Panda, behind the industry association’s decision not to partner for the Make in Odisha conclave.

Jagi Mangat, however, rubbished the allegations and requested not to drag her into politics. On April 4, the CII had communicated to the state government regarding its inability to partner for the conclave scheduled from November 11 to 15 in view of prior engagements. The state government has designated CII as the industry partner for all investment promotion activities.

Addressing a news conference here, BJD spokesperson Pratap Deb said a conspiracy has been hatched to thwart state’s progress. He said the party’s suspicion on Jagi Panda’s role behind the CII move arouse because of the timing of the industry association’s decision to pull out of the conclave. “Jagi Mangat was appointed as chairperson of CII, eastern region on March 17. Within 18 days of her appointment, the CII decided to back out,” Deb said.

Deb said the CII had been working until recently with the state government. “It is surprising as to how it was unaware of prior engagements during the proposed dates of the conclave as it has already shared conditions of partnerships, proposed budgets and appointed coordinators,” Deb said.

The BJD spokesperson said Jagi Mangat’s clarification on the issue further raises questions. “She said CII’s all issues in Odisha are handled by the Odisha state council. If it was true, then what forced the chairperson (Arun Mishra) and vice chairperson (Subrat Tripathy) of CII’s Odisha chapter to resign?”

Stating that all these developments indicate that someone very influential is using pressure tactics on CII’s state chapter, Deb urged the CII to reconsider its decision. To queries whether they suspect role of any political party or politician behind the move, Deb said they are yet to ascertain role of any opposition parties on it.

In a media reaction, Jagi Mangat said, “I urge the BJD not to drag me into politics. As Baijayant Panda is directly involved in politics, they (BJD leaders) can do politics by dragging his name.”

She said her good wishes for Odisha’s industrialization process will be forever. “In the capacity of CII eastern zone chairperson, I will extend my full support to the Make in Odisha so that it will become a successful venture. As the question has been raised (about my role in CII’s decision), I appeal to contact the Odisha office or the national office of the industry association for clarification,” she said.

Jagi Mangat also said that she has provided employment to over 3000 persons in her business ventures in Odisha in last 25 years.