Odisha BJP Demands Stern Action Against Chilika MLA; BJD Condemns Incident

Bhubaneswar: The opposition BJP on Saturday demanded stern action against the BJD MLA from Chilika, Prashant Jagdev, for allegedly ploughing his car into a crowd near Banpur block office in Khurda district.

Stating that the Chilika MLA mowed down people to threaten and create a fear among them, senior BJP leader Prithviraj Harichandan said people with sound mind will never indulge in such acts and such people should be sent to jail.

Opposition Congress also condemned the act. Former OPCC president Sharat Patnaik said, “The Home Department is under the Chief Minister himself and he should initiate action against whosoever is responsible.”

Senior Congress leader Suresh Routray also condemned the incident. Terming Jagdev a habitual offender, Routray said, “There are several such allegations against the MLA. This kind of behaviour does not suit an elected people’s representative.”

In reply to the Opposition, BJD leader Debi Prasad Mishra said “There is no place for violence in a democracy. Be it an MLA or a common man, violence is unacceptable. We condemn the incident and, in fact, all the political parties should condemn it.”

BJD Spokesperson Sasmit Patra said, “Our party reiterates that there is no place for violence in democracy and hope that Odisha Police and the administration will take appropriate legal steps against the accused.”

Stating that Jagdev is already under suspension for such behaviour against the policies of the party, Patra said appropriate action will be taken regarding th Banpur incident.

The BJD leader also prayed for speedy recovery of those injured in the incident.