Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA Bijay Shankar Das, who has been in the news over his alleged relationship with a woman in Odisha, is reportedly getting ready to tie the nuptial knot.
As per sources, the legislator from Tirtol in Jagatsinghpur district has reportedly submitted an application for registration of marriage at the office of the registrar in Cuttack.
Das has been in the news after he allegedly skipped his marriage with rumoured girlfriend Somalika Dash, who has filed a case against the legislator.
Now he is once again in the limelight following his application for marriage registration. The lawmaker is reported to be getting ready to tie the knot with another woman, not Somalika.
While the MLA was not immediately available for exact information, sources said that Das is going to marry another woman of Arunodaya Market area in Cuttack.
The lawmaker submitted the application on September 21 for registration of marriage with another woman at the office of the registrar of marriage in Cuttack as she happens to be a resident of the city.
It may be noted here that the case pertaining to his alleged relationship with Somalika is still pending. After the MLA allegedly failed to turn up for marriage, Somalika had brought a series of allegations including rape charge against him.
However, Somalika, who accused him of having sexual relationship on the pretext of marriage, did not claim that she is the wife of the MLA. Legal experts are of the opinion that since the MLA is still unmarried, there are no legal hindrances for him to marry anyone. However, there is an objection period of one month. If anyone raises objection during this period, it will be treated in accordance with the law, sources said.
After learning about the BJD MLA’s move, Somalika has reacted sharply and expressed surprise over the development saying the matter is still sub-judice.
She claimed that Das had visited the sub registrar’s office along with her and applied for marriage, but he failed to turn up on the marriage day and now he has applied to marry another woman.
Stating that she would not spare the legislator, Somalika told a news channel that she will lodge a complaint within 30 days meant for raising objection before the marriage sub-registrar office.
She alleged that she was being harassed as she happens to be a woman, while no step is being taken against the MLA as his party is protecting him.
