Underaged candidate in fray

PHULBANI: She is allegedly short of the minimum age for contesting the panchayat elections by two years. Sashirekha Pradhan, merely 19 years, is in fray for the sarpanch post in Kurtamgarh panchayat under Tumudibandh block. The issue came to light when her opponents, Jhunu Beheramajhi and Sasmita Majhi, challenged her candidature insisting that she was yet to attain the minimum age of 21. Jhunu alleged that during scrutiny of nominations, the school leaving certificate and voter list disclosing the age of Sashirekha were submitted before the competent authority, but no action was taken and she was allowed to contest. Attention of the State Election Commissioner, the District Election Officer, the Sub-Divisional Election Officer and the BDO of Tumudibandh has been drawn in this regard by Jhunu seeking her disqualification.‘No Development                  During Cong Rule’        Berhampur: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday said while there was no development in the State during the Congress rule, the situation changed for good after BJD came to power. Naveen addressed public meetings at three places in Hinjili and Buguda blocks. He spoke in details about welfare schemes like Mo Kudia, Mamata, Madhubabu Pension Yojana and free bicycle scheme for tribal girls.