BJP responds to allegations of taking over Rs 1 crore from BJD leader Raja Chakra

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly reacted to allegations of receiving money from arrested Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Raja Chakra, who has been accused of a mega transport scam in Odisha. The controversy fuelled political tensions in Odisha, with BJP state president Manmohan Samal clearing the air on Friday.

Speaking on the issue, Samal dismissed the allegations and termed it as baseless and politically-motivated. He stated, "Our lives are open books, and so are the lives of our party leaders. Those making these accusations should verify account details before spreading misinformation. Irresponsible statements should not be made without evidence."

He further emphasized that the BJP has built its reputation through years of hard work and dedication, urging opponents not to mislead the public with false claims.

BJP Responds to Allegations 

The controversy stems from statements made by Raja Chakra’s lawyer, who alleged that more than Rs 1 crore had been received by the BJP’s state leadership. This accusation has prompted strong reactions from various political quarters, including Congress MLA Taraprasad Bahinipati, who has targeted the BJP over the issue. Bahinipati has demanded a thorough investigation into the matter, questioning the transparency of the transactions.

“Everybody heard that over Rs 1 crore has come to BJP account. I welcome the decision of arrest of Raja Chakra. But who is Pravakaran? The Odisha government arrested Raja Chakra and took over Rs 1 crore and how much they have taken from Pravakaran? We want a CBI probe and summon them. If it doesn’t happen, Congress will hit the streets,” said Congress leader Taraprasad Bahinipati.

Meanwhile, Anjan Kumar Bej, former secretary of the Suakati-Gandhamardhan Loading Agency associated with Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC), has refuted these claims. Bej has asserted that there is no concrete evidence to support the allegations against BJP leaders, dismissing them as attempts to create political confusion.

“From 2020 onwards, the Management Committee of Raja Chakra and from President to Secretary and Directors were working on his instructions. The statements are misleading and attempt to derail the investigation process by bringing allegations against BJP, government. There is no truth in such allegations” said Bej.

Advocate of arrested BJD leader Raja Chakra, Sitanshu Diwedi said, “Anjan Bej, who was the then secretary, had demanded Rs 1 crore from state head leaders officially. A resolution was made if it was not paid, there would be dire consequences. Later, Rs 1.3 crore was paid to the state head BJP account, Rs 53 lakh was drawn by the secretary and local leaders took Rs 15 lakh. As per two resolutions, there has been a transaction of around Rs 1.32 crore through RTGS.”