Bhubaneswar: A delegation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today visited Naveen Niwas demanding acceptance of the resignation of Dr Budhan Murmu, who has been fielded by the saffron party as its candidate for Saraskana Assembly segment in Mayurbhanj district for this elections.
The team led by State BJP Vice President Samir Mohanty and general secretary Lekhashree Samantsinghar along with Murmu reached the residence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to meet the CM over the matter.
As per reports, Murmu, a doctor at Rangamatia Primary Health Centre in Mayurbhanj district, had applied for voluntary retirement from service (VRS) on October 4 last year. However, even after six months the State Government has not relieved him from service.
The BJP taunted that the CM is intentionally not accepting his resignation as he is afraid that Murmu might win the elections from Saraskana.
Till last reports were filed in, the Political secretary of CM, Gopabandhu Das met the BJP team and held discussion. The team however could not meet Naveen.
On Tuesday, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had also lambasted CM Naveen for not accepting Murmu's resignation. ”I want to ask Naveen Patnaik why he is not accepting his resignation. He has the right to contest elections. If Works Secretary Nalini Pradhan could be given clearance from Vigilance and granted VRS overnight, why is the government not accepting Murmu’s resignation?” Pradhan questioned.
Earlier on March 26, the BJD had moved Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Surendra Kumar alleging that BJP has violated the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by nominating Murmu as its candidate for the elections and further engaging him in campaigning.
The filing of nominations for fourth phase elections in various districts including Mayurbhanj will begin tomorrow and continue till April 9.