Bhubaneswar, April 15 -- A political controversy intensified in Koraput district following the inauguration of an alleged 'cattle market' at Fufugaon under Jeypore block on Wednesday. The issue has triggered a political war of words between the Opposition and the ruling party leaders, bringing the State government under scrutiny.

Senior Congress leader Tara Prasad Bahinipati strongly criticised the BJP government, raising questions about how the market was inaugurated in the presence of a minister, MLA, and party functionaries despite concerns over illegal cattle trade. He has pointed out that the market had earlier been shut down following allegations of large-scale cattle smuggling.

Bahinipati questioned the rationale behind reopening...