Ex-minister faces ‘note for vote’ charge

Rourkela: Former minister and senior BJD leader Sarada Prasad Nayak landed in trouble after a complaint was lodged against him at Jharipani police station in Sundergarh district on charges of cash for vote.

The Rourkela Development Authority (RDA) chairman, Nayak along with his supporters was allegedly distributing money to voters at Jharipani panchayat under Bisra block last night.

Local people gheraoed the former minister and others, following which the BJD leader had scuffled with them. “Our former MLA Sarada Nayak and his associates were distributing money in the slum areas to influence voters while we were discussing about the smooth conduct of elections. We opposed him and informed the police. But, police reached late. We challenged him to win the election in fair way. Official action should be taken against him immediately”, a local said.

Later, police brought the situation under control and started investigation.