Paralakhemundi: Controversy Over Mahendra Mela Preparations

Paralakhemundi: The upcoming Mahendra Mela in Mahendragiri, Gajapati district, has sparked controversy with doubts raised about the role of the district administration. A meeting was held on Monday by the district officials, but it remained unclear whether it was a preparatory or peace meeting. Earlier on the 14th, the administration met with Vishwasab Sanskriti Suraka Manch and Tribal Mahasangh regarding the 16th Mahendra Mela, but no consensus was reached.

The district administration promised to hold another peace meeting and invited both supporting and opposing groups to Monday's meeting. However, the meeting appeared to be more of a preparation session, leading to dissatisfaction among both sides. Representatives expressed firm intentions to continue protests, including a warning of demonstrations scheduled for the 29th of this month.