I will expose BJD: MP Pradeep Panigrahi after court acquittal

BJP’s Berhampur MP Pradeep Panigrahi ignited a political storm on Wednesday following his acquittal in job fraud cases. Speaking at a press conference, Panigrahi denounced the Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD), from which he was removed, proclaiming that the people of Odisha have turned against those responsible for his expulsion.

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Recently exonerated by the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC)-Rural court in Berhampur, Panigrahi accused the BJD of fabricating charges against him. He contends that his arrest was part of a conspiracy, orchestrated with the intent of maligning his reputation.

According to Panigrahi, witnesses were coerced into testifying unfavourably against him.

With Pana Sankranti, the Odia New Year, fast approaching, the MP pledged to uncover several hidden truths about BJD’s internal workings. He challenged the prolonged leadership of Odisha’s former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, saying, “It was all directed by him and not VK Pandian, unlike what many assumed.”

Reacting to Naveen Patnaik staging protest against alleged price hike in Odisha, Panigrahi expressed, “The BJD supremo recently termed the Government in Odia as ‘Mahanga Mada Sarkar’. After six months, all of a sudden Sir (Naveen Patnaik) went to agitate.”

“The Panji (almanac) containing every detail of what you have done, in the past 24 years, is there. Let the Pana Sankranti come, your almanac will also be opened,” Panigrahi stated.

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The senior BJP leader further alleged that Patnaik allowed VK Pandian to exploit the State's resources.

Besides, the BJP MP accused without taking the name of a senior Odisha cop (believed to be Soumendra Priyadarshi) of having a hand in his arrest while leading the Crime Branch, suggesting the police official was later rewarded with appointment as the Commissioner.

However, no comment was available from Priyadarshi regarding these claims.