Terming the allegations levelled against him by the state unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as baseless, BJD MP Pinaki Misra on Sunday issued a press note wherein he hit back at the saffron party.
“It is unfortunate that the Odisha BJP has deemed it fit to make a totally false attack on me based on a malicious and utterly unproven allegation floating in the public domain,” he said in his press release.
He also said that as an MP for over 25 years, his personal record is beyond reproach and invited the BJP to fight with the BJD politically in Odisha rather than resorting to cheap publicity gimmicks for some quick airtime.
“I’m seriously considering a legal response via direct court action and will of course take a decision in due course,” he said.
Also read: Odisha BJP demands BJD MP Pinaki Misra's scalp in ‘cash for queries’ scam
BJP's Response to MP Pinaki Misra's Statement
Responding to Misra's clarification, state BJP spokesperson Anil Biswal took to his X handle and wrote, “He (MP Misra) should clarify whether his name is featured in the affidavit filed in the CBI court or not. What we said was on the basis of the two affidavits filed in the CBI court. We are also aware of laws. Can anyone conceal his illegal activities sorely by threatening legal action? We will not get terrified by someone’s false threat?”
“Some facts are now out in the open in Delhi. They have in more ways defamed the reputation of Odisha than caused the Odisha people to worry. Is he not worried about being featured in a serious allegation like ‘cash for query’? Has he fulfilled the wishes of the people for which he was sent to the Parliament or done something which tarnished Odisha’s reputation? When will he and his party, BJD, give clarification?” Biswal added.
State BJP president Manmohan Samal also launched a scathing attack on MP Mishra.
Addressing a press conference, Samal said, “He is free to do what he thinks. But people have already got the message regarding what he is and what he has done. So, now the people will decide. He is a good advocate. So he should prove that he is speaking the truth, and others are liars.”