KHAYERPUR: A simmering rift within the local administration came out into the open during a preparatory meeting for the Kharchi Mela on Monday, as West District’s Acting Sabhadhipati Biswajit Sheel raised sharp objections over last year’s organisation of the festival.
According to those present, Sheel expressed strong displeasure over the manner in which the previous edition of the mela had been conducted, raising questions about the arrangements made at the time.
MLA Ratan Chakraborty responded with a counter-statement, pushing back against the criticism raised at the meeting. The exchange between the two leaders reportedly led to tense moments during the proceedings, drawing attention from others present at the gathering.
The specific points of disagreement between Sheel and Chakraborty were not immediately clear, and neither leader could be reached for an on-record statement following the meeting.
The Kharchi Mela, an important annual festival, is held in the region with administrative and local representatives typically involved in coordinating its arrangements. Preparations for this year’s event are reportedly underway despite the discord witnessed at Monday’s meeting.