Bhubaneswar: Gopalpur MLA Pradeep Panigrahi, who is the BJP MP candidate from Berhampur, on Monday slammed the ruling BJD for the poll violence in Odisha.
“Odisha saw a smooth transfer of power when BJD-BJP alliance broke in 2009, there was no violence in 2014 and 2019, but large-scale violence took place across Ganjam, including Polasara, Hinjili, Chikiti, Khallikote, Berhampur, and Bhanjanagar, in 2024. The BJD in the past had systematically rigged voting during last part of second hour. However, the ECI was able to check this due to adequate deployment of central forces, thwarting BJD’s plans and strategy which then seemingly resorted to violence in frustration,” he stated.
Pradeep said there are reports that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik might lose his Hinjili seats. “Is it true that Naveen Patnaik is loosing Hinjili…? Officers were seen begging people of the constituency with folded hands to vote for the CM for one last time to save his face and that of the party,” he claimed.
The legislator further alleged that the party has been attempting to buy voters in slum areas by spending huge amount of money. “People from Ganjam are staying in slums here and we have been getting reports from them. If BJD is so transparent and a party of the people, why is it distributing cash and resorting to violence?” he asked.
He further stated that the May 13 attack on him was a sponsored one and also caught on camera.
Questioning the arrest of Chilika MLA Prashant Jagdev, Pradeep said the CCTV footage of the Begunia incident should be shown after taking the permission of the returning officer. “Was proper procedure followed while arresting a sitting MLA?” he asked.
The Gopalpur MLA questioned why no immediate action was taken against BJD Chhendipada MLA and candidate, Sushant Kumar Behera after he allegedly thrashed voters, including BJP workers, at booth no-84 at Simili Sahi in Kosala panchayat in Angul district, during third-round elections on May 25.
He also questioned as to why Odisha government did not appoint a regular DGP ahead of the elections. “Why was Arun Sarangi, an adept IPS officer, appointed to the post on an ad hoc basis? A regular posting would have helped him to take stricter action. The government is trying to keep him in check by not giving him a regular appointment. A section of police officers are also bringing bad name to the department. Since the acting DGP is an honest officer, I would request him to investigate all allegations being raised during the polls in a free and fair manner. They have to restore the faith of people in the system,” he said.
Pradeep added that there is a need to get rid two demons – Atapi and Batapi – in the BJD, who are creating nuisance in the state.
