Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP and party’s national spokesperson Sasmit Patra on Sunday alleged that Odisha BJP has been regularly welcoming people who are goondas, land grabbers, cheats and black money launderers.
Addressing a press meet in Bhubaneswar, Patra said the saffron party has not only welcomed such elements but has given them tickets as well to contest elections.
Describing Chilika MLA Prashant Jagdev, who was expelled from BJD for his criminal activities, as one such person, the Rajya Sabha member Jagdev allegedly smashed EVM and assaulted polling staff during polls on Saturday.
He further alleged that Jagdev fled from there with the help of BJP’s Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha candidate Aparajita Sarangi but the Police intercepted and nabbed him at Begunia.
Many Central leaders who visit Odisha during elections are probably unaware about Odisha BJP and its policy of welcoming criminals and giving them tickets, Patra said, adding these Central leaders talk of taking strong action against criminals.
Taking a dig at two Central leaders for seeking action against land grabbers during campaign in Kendrapada, the BJD leader alleged that the foremost among the land grabbers is Baijayant Panda, the saffron party’s Kendrapada MP candidate.
He alleged that Panda’s company has done illegal land-grabbing from Scheduled Caste people and that he also has a case against him for this. Similarly, his TV channel has grabbed government land, he claimed.
Stating that BJD had removed Panda from the party, but BJP inducted him, Patra claimed that the saffron party neglected own party leaders, and gave ticket to this ‘land-grabber.
The BJD MP further alleged that Panda was also found embroiled in the Bahamas scandal and investigation was ordered through a Multi-Agency Group into this funding.
He accused BJP of sidelining workers of the party who had toiled for many years and giving the ticket to Jagdev
Referring to BJP Berhampur Lok Sabha candidate Pradeep Panigrahi, the BJD leader alleged that the former Minister had cheated poor people of his constituency promising jobs.
Panigrahi was ousted by BJD for his anti-people activities and even BJP had staged agitations against him earlier. However, the saffron party welcomed him and gave him ticket to fight elections, he said.
This is the real face of Odisha BJP … that welcomes goons, land-grabbers, cheats and black money launderers with open arms and gives them party tickets,” added Patra.
