Bhubaneswar: After the end of the first phase panchayat polls in Odisha Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in his reaction to OTV said, “The trends of the first phase result reflects the resentment of the people of Odisha.”
Pradhan said that it a victory of the people of Odisha, a fruit of long oppression is being seen as Odisha is moving towards a new direction. However he alleged, “The District Collectors and SPs in the State are acting as General Secretaries of ruling party, the results have been manipulated in some places illegally.”
Talking about poll violence Pradhan said that the State Government has got into a tizzy after knowing the results. Violence has been seen in Nabarangpur, Mayurbhanj, Cuttack and Kendrapara. “The ruling party has become a murderer,” he added.
Pradhan appealed the poll commission to ensure fairness in ensuing elections. He said, “The State Election Commission should instruct the Chief Secretary and DGP to ensure fair elections and they are bound to comply to the order of the SEC as per the constitution.”
Countering the statements of Pradhan, BJD spokesperson Shashi Bhusan Behera said, “While giving such statements the leaders of BJP, may it be the Union Minister or any other leader, should ask themselves that how far are they giving responsible statements.”
Behera said that Congress would also have started personal review after the BJP fetched away its votes. As the BJP and Congress come together to target the BJD, their followers have supported the party that has gained some recognition, there is nothing new in it. He added, “If the BJP enjoys it let it enjoy, but it will not affect the BJD, the BJD was number one, will remain number one, you will see after the getting the results of the rest four phases.”
There was a competition between BJP and Congress to stay at second or third position and BJP won to gain the second position, said Behera.
Further Behera said the allegations of Pradhan portrays about his irresponsibility, “If he has any evidence about any poll related discrepancy than he should present it before the Election Commission.”