NABARANGPUR: The bypoll to Umerkote Assembly constituency dominated the inaugural speeches of dignitaries at Mondei-2011. The five-day cultural extravaganza was inaugurated by Culture Minister Prafulla Samal on Tuesday night.The festival was converted into a political platform where leaders of various parties expatiated on welfare schemes of the State and the Centre. While touching upon the role of the district in the Quit India Movement, Samal announced pension to senior artistes who had made substantial contribution to local folk tradition. He also stressed the need to develop the district into a tourist destination.Praising the concept behind the festival, Congress MP Pradeep Majhi said he is unable to join the celebrations with lakhs of people languishing in the face of drought. He urged the district administration to address the problems of the farming community with the same enthusiasm as witnessed during the Mondei. He also expressed displeasure at the law and order in Raighar block. Nabarangpur BJD legislator Manohar Randhari highlighted various schemes and projects being implemented by the Naveen Patnaik Government in the State. On the other hand, Dabugam Congress MLA Bhujabal Majhi listed the Central Government programmes being implemented for the development of the tribals and the poor in the district. He said though huge funds were being released, fruits of development had not reached the people.Samal also inaugurated the industrial exhibition and Pallishree mela. The day one of the festival saw troupes from Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Bargarh, Puri, Bhubaneswar, Umerkote and Chandahandi presenting folk dances.
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