Senior BJP leader Pradeep Purohit on Monday brought serious allegations against the BJD. Purohit alleged that the BJD spent crores of money in Chhattisgarh to prevent BJP's victory. He further alleged that the BJD leaders in western Odisha also tried their best to woo people to vote against the BJP during the assembly election in the neighbouring state.
“BJD spent crores of rupees and tried to ensure BJP’s loss in Chhattisgarh. Many BJD leaders travelled to Chhattisgarh to campaign for Congress and others because they knew that the wave of BJP will officially make entry to Odisha through western Odisha if we won in Chhattisgarh. Now, their fear has come true and they should know that their ‘death bell’ has rung,” he said.
“All Exit Polls predicted Congress’ win in Chhattisgarh. However, the people of Chhattisgarh believe and have trust in Modi which is why they threw away Congress. Now, BJP will restart the journey towards development in Chhattisgarh and slowly enter Odisha,” Purohit said.
The BJP leader further said, “BJP wave will start in western Odisha and slowly move towards the coastal belts and other parts of the state. Odisha people also want a change. This election result is a ‘death bell’ for BJD in the upcoming 2024 general elections.”
Pradip Purohit also opened up on the Mahanadi Water Dispute between Chattisgarh and Odisha and said that it was only a political gimmick for both Congress and BJD.
“BJP will try to fight for the rights of Odisha, but BJD will continue to play with the people of Odisha. The dispute will end as soon as BJP comes to power in Odisha,” he stated.
While comments from the BJD leaders could not be obtained over the BJP leader's allegations, the Congress countered. President of the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee Sarat Pattanayak challenged him, saying, “I will retire from politics if anyone proves the Congress received a single pie from either the BJD or the BJP or anyone else in Chhattisgarh. The Chhattisgarh PCC president is capable enough to look after the electioneering. The Congress never depends on anyone.”