Bhubaneswar, Nov. 7: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD ) led by former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has alleged that the recent deaths in Odisha’s Kandhamal occurred because the victims were forced to consume mango kernel due to a lack of rice distribution under the Food Security Act. This accusation makes an explicit attempt to blame the current government in fulfilling its duties related to food security.

Is the allegation true or politically motivated? Will BJD be able to score a few political brownie points by making such an accusation? All these queries need threadbare dissection.

Local leaders, such as the Sarpanch of Gadapur Gram Panchayat, affirm that mango kernels and other forest-based foods remain part of the community's diet. This dietary habit appears to stem from cultural traditions rather than an imposed necessity due to a lack of rice. Residents in the affected area are indeed covered under the National Food Security Act and receive government-provided rice. This suggests that, while these forest foods are eaten, they are not necessarily consumed in lieu of government rations.

The danger might have arisen from improper storage or processing of the mango kernels, which can make these foods toxic. Health officials and locals point to the risk of bacterial fermentation if mango kernels are not properly handled, indicating that the incident may have been due to food safety rather than scarcity.

By ordering a Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC)-level inquiry, Chief Minister Majhi is taking steps to address and clarify the cause of these tragic deaths. The probe’s mandate includes evaluating potential causes beyond food shortages, such as food safety practices and government welfare implementation.

The nutritional value of mango kernels, which, when properly prepared, are rich in essential minerals. This emphasises that mango kernels, in the right conditions, are not inherently harmful and are traditionally valued as a nutritious food.

Considering the above points, it appears the Opposition may be seizing on the incident to question the current administration’s food security policies. However, the affected community was already receiving rice, challenging the basis of the Opposition’s claim. Furthermore, since traditional food consumption practices are involved, the Opposition’s focus on rice scarcity could be an attempt to politicize the incident rather than addressing the actual complexities behind it.

The RDC-level inquiry aims to reveal the true cause of these deaths, whether due to food safety practices, cultural food traditions, or government failures. By promoting the idea that rice shortages led to the deaths, the Opposition might be focusing on a politically advantageous narrative that aligns with critiques of government effectiveness. However, the evidence thus far suggests that this tragedy likely arose from a mixture of cultural food practices and potentially unsafe preparation, rather than a lack of food supplies.

The Opposition's stance appears to be politically motivated, as evidence of ongoing rice distribution under the Food Security Act is available. Besides, many locals point to cultural practices as the factor behind the consumption of mango kernel. The government’s response, including the RDC-level inquiry, will surely bring clarity, emphasizing that a balanced investigation is essential before drawing conclusions.

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