Bhubaneswar: In an open challenge to the ruling BJD, senior Congress leader Lalatendu Bidyadhara Mohapatra on Thursday said if anyone obstructs him during his tour from Khurda to Phulbani, the person will face the consequences.
Senior BJD leader and [arty spokesperson Pratap Keshari Deb, it may be noted, had warned yesterday that his party would adopt a tit-for-tat policy if the Congress did not desist from egg pelting on ministers.
Deb had made the statement after eggs were thrown at Health minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak’s vehicle in Deogarh on Tuesday. Eggs were also hurled by members of Chattra Congress and Youth Congress at the vehicle of Food Supplies Minister Sanjay Dasburma in Puri and Chhatrapur on Sunday and Monday respectively.
Speaking to media persons, Mohapatra stated, “I welcome the challenge thrown by the BJD. The preparation has started to handle the challenge. Let them counter me, I will think over how they cannot come out of their home.”
He further said, “Yesterday, I said clearly that I thank and welcome youths for whatever they have done. As long as the work is not done, I request them to undertake such programmes across Odisha.”
Replying to a query on whether the OPCC approves of his statement, Mohapatra said, “I have come from the Congress family. We thank them for the ongoing fight of the party activists.”
Asked about the prospect of his party in the New Year, Mohapatra said everyone should be mentally prepared as January will be the turning point for the Congress.