Bhubaneswar: Continuing its attack on BJP national vice president Baijayant Panda, the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) today accused the former of filing false affidavit during 2014 elections. In fact, four spokespersons of BJD - Sasmit Patra, Sulocahan Das, Lenin, Sulata - called a press conference to speak about it.
Speaking to media, Patra said, "BJP's Kendrapara LS candidate in his affidavit filed for 2019 elections had clearly mentioned regarding an income of Rs 2 crore annually from IMFA as its vice chairman. However, Panda had concealed the information in his affidavit filed during 2014 elections."
Patra alleged that it is clearly mentioned in IMFA's annual report that Baijayant Panda was holding the office as vice chairman from 2013-15. "If he was earning in crores, why it was not mentioned in the 2014 affidavit," questioned Patra.
A criminal case was also filed in Kendrapara against Panda for concealing such information in his election affidavit, Patra said adding that the former parliamentarian has cheated the people of his constituency.
Responding to BJD's allegations, Baijayant Panda stated that, "They are totally misrepresenting the facts. Even in my last affidavit, all details of my income sources had been included, which is why their case against me was stayed by court. In this affidavit as well, all details have been included."
Panda further said, "During 18 years in Parliament representing the BJD, they never had any complaints against me. But in the last couple of years they seem to have suddenly found a lot of faults with me.The BJD has become a bunch of corrupt, criminal buffoons, And the people of Odisha have become aware of it. Thankfully, in just a few weeks, Odisha will be free from their buffoonery and thuggery."
Odisha BJP vice president Samir Mohanty said, "People of Kendrapara very well know what Baijayant Panda has done for them and development of constituency. When he (Baijayant) or any leader is part of BJD, they are all good but when they quit, the party goes after them and brings such allegations. Doesn't it reflect the double standards of Naveen Babu and his party?"