Chilika MLA Prashant Jagdev targets own BJD leader

Current Chilika MLA Prashant Jagdev, who has been suspended from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), targeted former Chilika MLA & party leader Raghu Sahu on Saturday. Jagdev accused Sahu of hatching a conspiracy which led to the former's suspension.

According to allegations levelled by Jagdev, Raghu Sahu had bribed a few BJP activists to create a scuffle like situation. "My vehicle was ransacked, but it was under Raghu Sahu's direction the whole incident was made to look like as if I drove the vehicle into the crowd," said Jagdev.
 
Jagdev, meanwhile, is determined that BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik would withdraw his suspension and he will fight the next elections with full vigour.

Raghu Sahu was the sitting Chilika MLA between 2014 and 2019. However in 2019, instead of Raghu, BJD had given Chilika ticket to Jagdev, who was earlier representing the Begunia constituency.

On February 12, 2022 Jagdev was reportedly assaulted by a mob after he allegedly rammed his car into a crowd in Khurda district. A few persons, including seven police personnel, were injured in the incident.

Following reports of his alleged ‘hooliganism’, the legislator had been suspended by party president Naveen Patnaik.

“Former MLA Raghu Sahu is eying the Chilika seat. He is yet to realize the fact that he is no more MLA of Chilika. He plotted conspiracy to defame me. I am sure my suspension will be withdrawn and I will fight and win the election,” said Jagdev.

Reported by Harihar Chand, OTV