Bhubaneswar: BJD MP Baijayant "Jay" Panda, who has been sidelined by his own party, on Tuesday targeted Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik's office and alleged that an attempt was being made to disrupt an event for the inauguration of a drinking water project in his Lok Sabha constituency on Thursday.

In a press note, Panda's office alleged that anti-social elements, who were trying to create disturbances, were getting protection and support from "a corrupt non-Odia officer of the 3rd floor (read chief minister Naveen Patnaik's office). "Everyone is aware that this officer is interfering in party affairs and unconstitutionally indulging in politics," it claimed.

Panda also deputed one of his employees to talk to the media about how the local MLA and health minister Pratap Jena was trying to create hurdles for him.

Panda is scheduled to inaugurate a water supply project in Buhalo panchayat in Nischintkoili block in the Kendrapara Lok Sabha constituency. Several local BJD leaders have written letters to officials and urged the chief minister not to permit Panda to hold the event as they feared it would create law and order problem.

However, the spokesperson of Panda dubbed them as people, "who are upset as they are unable to collect the percentage from the work as the MPLAD is out of their control." The local leaders also accused the MP of not consulting them and ignoring party interests, an allegation which was denied by Panda who claimed that all party functionaries including Jena have been invited at the event. "In any case, this is not a political programme. It's a government programme," the release said.

Health minister Jena said: "Both the MLA and the MP are answerable to the people. If the people are not involved in the programme, they will give a befitting reply."