Chairperson of the municipality, Roshna Sahu and (below) vice-chairperson Sabita Sahoo inaugurate the same town hall. Telegraph pictures

Kendrapara, Oct. 7: An piquant situation that erupted over the inauguration of a town hall-cum-auditorium yesterday exposed wrangling within the ruling BJD here.

Residents were left bemused with the auditorium being unveiled for public use twice. Two hours before the official function, the vice-chairperson of Kendrapara Municipality, led by her loyal supporters, inaugurated the town hall. Later, the chairperson inaugurated the hall again. The two groups are trying to outwit each other ahead of the civic polls to be held early next year.

The auditorium complex was completed several months back but was not opened to the public for unknown reasons triggering protests from various quarters.

Sabita Sahu, vice-chairperson of the municipality, cut the ceremonial ribbon and declared the auditorium open. Later chairperson Roshna Sahu, who had strained relations with her deputy, rushed to the spot and re-opened the auditorium much to the amusement of the onlookers.

The civic body authorities faced further embarrassment when local residents inaugurated the “welcome-gate” at Tinimuhani junction built by the municipality as part of the township’s beautification plan. By the time chairperson Sahu arrived at the spot, the function was over with the local market committee holding a function to mark the occasion.

“The municipal authorities made sheer wastage of public money by erecting a gateway. It was an act of people’s protest against the inept municipal body,” said Maheswar Jena, member of Tinimuhani Market Committee.

Despite repeated efforts, chairperson Sahu was not available for comment.