Bhubaneswar, Dec. 20: The councillor of ward No. 58, Chhabindra Jena, today sat on a dharna outside the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation office to protest against non-execution of projects in his area.

He also alleged misbehaviour by civic officials when he went to the office to point out certain irregularities. The councillor had also staged a dharna at the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) office last night.

Jena said that his ward was being discriminated against in the allotment of funds for various projects which were not being implemented properly. The councillor said he had given the proposal for renovation of a dying pond in his ward in 2010, but no money has been allocated for the purpose, till date.

He had also proposed development of a graveyard in his area, but the project is yet to take off. Jena said his ward does not have public works department and road and buildings department roads.

Jena said his ward required special attention of the authorities.

Incidentally, Jena happens to be a Biju Janata Dal councillor and his action may embarrass the party. However, sources said while he had shown the courage to express his views and take on the authorities, many of his colleagues with similar complaints were keeping quiet.

Last night, Jena was on dharna for about two hours at the BMC office. He was persuaded to go home by mayor A.N. Jena, who assured to look into his grievances.

However, with nothing happening he again staged a protest today for two hours from 11am. The mayor and the BMC commissioner, Sanjib Mishra intervened and finally the agitation was called off around 1.30pm.