Bhubaneswar: While BJP continued with its demand for removal of Jayanarayan Mishra as Leader of Opposition, the senior BJP leader on Friday defended his ‘reflex action’ on being stomped by the woman cop, who he claimed was not on duty, during a protest against deteriorating law and order situation in Odisha at Sambalpur.
“Dhanupali police station IIC stomped on my feet but it went unnoticed and was not captured on camera. I am no Matama Gandhi to put my other feet out to be crushed. Pushing her to get my feet released was a reflex action. This was no reason for her to punch me back. An argument ensued thereafter,” he said.
Reacting to the repeated demand for an apology, Mishra referred to Mahanga triple murder, the death of main accused in Mamta Meher case in custody and Pari kidnapping case, where he alleged police failed miserably in performing their duty. “I will tender an apology only when the Chief Minister issue a statement, saying that police have been given a free hand and those who can’t tolerate the atrocities can leave the state,” said Mishra.
On the alleged veiled threat from former IPS officer and BJD leader Arup Patnaik, the BJP leader said, “We are well aware of his role during the protest launched by Bangladeshis in Bombay (now Mumbai) and his involvement in the Pune land scam. When they are able to cover up the killing of a cabinet minister, the vulnerability of a common man in this state can easily be gauged. This betrays the state of governance and reflects on the ruling party,” he said.
BJP MP Munna Khan, however, reiterated his party’s demand for an apology from the LoP for misbehaving with a woman cop. “He is known for losing his temper at the slightest provocation. There are several instances when he misbehaved and attacked people inside the assembly and outside and used unparliamentary language. We will intensify the agitation if he refuses to apologise,” he added.
