Jatra Party Owners put ball in Odisha Govt’s Court

ONI Bureau: In a desperate bid to get more financial assistance from the government, the Jatra Party Owners led by Association President Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, announced shutting down of Jatra shows from next year.

Mr. Patnaik confirmed that 23 Jatra troupes to be closed down next year owing to increasing cost, growing loss and restrictions imposed by district administrations.

While Odisha Minister and owner of Kalinga Gananatya Jatra Troupe, Pradeep Maharathy supported the decision, he also added they are ready to discuss the matter with government if there is a favourable response. “We may continue if the Govt supports us,” he added.

The move is seen as a strategy to incite passion and emotion and persuade the government to assist the Jatra troupes. The government won’t hesitate to fish in the troubled waters and step in with help to get maximum mileage on this matter.