TV
Following the arrest of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) organisational secretary Pranab Prakash (Bobby) Das’ brother, the party fiercely criticised the Odisha government in a press conference held on Saturday.
More than 30 people have been arrested due to what BJD claims are false charges related to an incident on the night in question. The party has accused the government of deliberately fostering unrest in Jajpur and stated that this has stifled development in the district.
Also Read: Dharmasala MLA Himanshu Sahoo attacked in Jajpur
Pointing a finger at the MLA from Dharmasala, BJD alleged that ordinary residents of Jajpur are being arrested and sent to jail for no reason.
“Several costly cars were damaged (during a recent incident), but no one has been arrested in this connection. An attempt is being made by the BJP to stop the Biraja Kshetra development project. This is a well-planned conspiracy of the ruling party,” a local leader from Jajpur Saroj Mahapatra said mediapersons.
“Around 20 innocent persons, who were not present on the spot on the intervening night, were trapped in false cases and have been forwarded to court. Raids are on to arrest at least 30 shortlisted BJD leaders in false cases,” Saroj Mahapatra alleged.
Responding to the BJD’s allegations, BJP's Dharmasala MLA Himanshu Sahoo presented his views, reflecting the tension over current state of affairs.
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“Where I am keeping my scarf and when I am wearing it, should I have made a video of it and sent it to Pramila Madam?” Jajpur BJP MLA questioned.
“It is a matter of shame how she (BJD’s Pramila Mallick) is discussing such things. She was a legislator for the last 30 years, whereas, I am a newly-elected people’s representative. They should rather support us to work for the development. ‘Opposition’ does not mean to resort to hooliganism,” MLA Himanshu Sahoo further said.
“When a person is attacked to settle any personal score, certainly the victim resorts to legal steps and the law takes its course. Besides, ongoing development projects including a local Haat (marketplace) will not be stopped,” BJP legislator Das added.
