The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) targeted BJD’s MP candidate from the Nabarangpur parliamentary seat, Pradeep Majhi, a day after he made some remarks based on Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s doctored video.
While addressing a public rally along with VK Pandian on Monday, the BJD leader reportedly said, "Union Home Minister Amit Shah said a few days ago in Telangana that if the BJP comes to power, it will end reservations for SC, ST and OBC. He will destroy us. Hence, the decision is yours now.”
Countering the BJD leader’s remarks, senior BJP leader and the candidate from the same Lok Sabha seat, Balabhadra Majhi lashed out at Pradeep Majhi on Tuesday.
Addressing a presser in Nabarangpur, Balabhadra Majhi said, “This shows the shallow attitude of the BJD. The allegation made against the Home Minister is fictitious. Such allegations based on a doctored video are meant to scare people and to extract votes from them.”
The BJP leader added that Pradeep Majhi brought false allegations against the Home Minister and his remarks violate the election code of conduct.
'MCC violation by BJD'
“The BJP will take up the issue with the Chief Electoral Officer of Odisha. I have written to the National President of the party in this regard to take necessary action. He should take action against the BJD and the BJD MP candidate for violating MCC,” he added.
Similarly, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also accused Pradeep Majhi of making fake statements and said a complaint would be filed against the BJD leader.
'Imported leaders spreading lies'
Launching a scathing attack on the BJD, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said, "Carrying out misinformation campaign and spreading lies during the election campaign has been the nature of BJD’s imported leaders and a ‘gumasta’ (house manager).”
“BJD candidate Pradeep Babu encouraged by this gumasta leader has raised this issue. I request the Chief Electoral Officer to serve a notice to the BJD candidate and take action against him,” he said.
Meanwhile, the BJP has filed a complaint against Pradeep Majhi at the Cyber Police Station in Bhubaneswar.
However, Pradeep Majhi refused to comment on the BJP’s complaint against him.