Bhubaneswar: After being held responsible for recent violence in Sambalpur, the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Monday accused the saffron party of trying to create unrest in the western Odisha city for narrow political gain
Addressing a press meet in Bhubaneswar, senior vice-president of BJD Prasanna Acharya claimed that BJP leaders are trying to create tension and unrest in Sambalpur at a time when peace has returned in the city.
After the violent incidents, normalcy has been restored in Sambalpur following steps taken by the state government and cooperation by the people, he said, adding that many people have been arrested for their involvement in violence, while hunt is on to nab several others.
Peace and normalcy is back in Sambalpur because of the strong and wholehearted resolve of the people and resolute efforts of the police and administration, the BJD leader said.
However, some BJP leaders are trying to create unrest through their provocative statements and actions, Acharya alleged, claiming that the move of BJP has hurt the sentiments of the people of Sambalpur.
Claiming that some BJP leaders who have no political base in Sambalpur are making such attempts, the former Minister said the people of Sambalpur have been rejecting them and will do the same in futhre too.
Attacking BJP national president N P Nadda for sending a team to Sambalpur, the senior BJD leader accused the saffron party of shedding crocodile tears over the recent incidents. He sought to know as to why BJP did not send teams to party-ruled states where more serious incidents have taken place.
BJP team is being sent to Sambalpur with political agenda and create an asmsphere of hatred and fear, he claimed.
The former MP claimed that Odisha BJP leaders never wanted normalcy and their statements were always aimed at ensuring the issue keeps simmering. Having failed in their initial attempts, BJP leaders have been trying to flare up the issue and keep it on the boil through various means.
BJD, on the other hand, has always emphasised on the unity and order of the society without bothering for votes, Acharya said, adding BJD always works according to the constitution.
The ex-MP further claimed that a particular BJP leader, who is keen to contest the next election from Sambalpur, is attempting to create unrest for political gain. However, the saffron party must realise that the people of Odisha will never allow their game plan to succeed, Acharya added.
