Brahmapur: A complaint was lodged against Aska MLA Saroj Padhi by Chief Development Officer (CDO) in Odisha’s Ganjam district accusing the legislator of issuing threats, indulging in misbehaviour and using abusive language.
According to information, CDO Sameer Kumar Jena Jena lodged a complaint against Padhi at Aska police station accusing him of threatening him during a discussion on flood relief distribution in areas affected by cyclone Arnab.
Sources said Jena was responsible for overseeing the relief work and was personally managing the distribution of food and other relief materials. A dispute reportedly emerged over how the relief should be distributed.
The CDO alleged that the MLA wanted the distribution to be carried out according to his instructions. However, Jena maintained that relief materials should be distributed equally among the affected people without any discrimination.
The discussion allegedly escalated, with the CDO accusing the MLA of using abusive language and threatening him.
Meanwhile, opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) alleged that MLA was disrupting relief work in areas hit by devastating flood, which has affected the lives of lakhs of people.
Claiming that Padhi resorted to illegal and inappropriate acts, BJD media coordinator Lenin Mohanty alleged that the legislator is in a habit of hurling abuses. He misbehaved with a government official to stop relief distribution because of his personal fight with a minister, he claimed.
The Odisha government and BJP need to examine the CCTV footage as mentioned in the FIR and take strong action against the MLA, the BJD leader said.