Bhubaneswar:  The ruling BJD today suspected the role of Jagi Mangat Panda, eastern zone chairperson of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and wife of suspended party MP Baijayant Panda, behind the industry association’s decision to pull out of 'Make in Odisha Conclave 2018' as an industry partner.

Jagi Mangat, a prominent businesswoman and co-founder and Director of odia news channel OTV, however, rubbished the allegations and requested not to drag her into politics.

The BJD alleged Jagi Panda’s role behind the move and said there is a conspiracy by some influential persons to make CII withdraw itself from the mega event.

“Jagi Mangat was appointed as eastern region chairperson of CII on March 17. Within 18 days of her appointment, the CII decided to back out. Therefore, we suspect her role behind the CII’s move to pull out of the conclave,” BJD Spokesperson Pratap Deb alleged while addressing a presser at party office here.

The CII, on April 4, had communicated to the State government expressing its inability to partner for the conclave citing prior engagements.

The government had proposed to organise the biennial showpiece conclave for investments from November 11-15.

Rubbishing the allegation, Jagi Mangat, through a video, requested not to drag her into politics. “I urge the BJD not to drag me into politics. As Baijayant Panda is directly involved in politics, they (BJD leaders) can do politics by dragging his name.”

She further said that she will fully cooperate and provide all support to make the upcoming business conclave successful. “In the capacity of CII eastern zone chairperson, I will extend my full support to the Make in Odisha so that it will become a successful venture,” she said.

Jagi Panda urged the BJD to contact for the reason why they pulled out of the conclave instead of blaming her.

“I appeal to contact the Odisha office or the national office of the CII for clarification,” she added.