Bhubaneswar: After being criticised for his misbehaviour and manhandling Pulwama attack martyr’s kin, BJD MLA Debasish Samantaray's troubles are far from over as the video of his act has now surfaced in Pakistan media. Azad News, a Pakistan-based TV channel had recently telecast the visuals in which Samantaray is seen shoving the relative of Pulwama attack martyr Manoj Behera.
It is pertinent to mention here that BJD MLA Debasish Samantaray had drawn ire for his behaviour during the conduct of last rites of martyr Manoj Behera in Ratanpur of Cuttack district on February 16. The entire incident was captured on camera and later went viral on social media. Major opposition parties including BJP and Congress had criticised the MLA and his party.
Congress spokesperson Satya Prakash Nayak had termed the incident as unfortunate and said “The way the BJD MLA misbehaved and manhandled with the martyr’s kin is totally shameful. This shows the real identity of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the party should apologise for such insult."
BJP leader Lekhashree Samantsinghar had said “The video clearly shows that the MLA is pushing the kin of the martyr and it speaks volumes about the lawmaker’s character. The MLA should be immediately arrested for his act"
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in his reaction said, "The whole episode is condemnable and the CM should take action against him."
Targeting Samataray, senior leader Damodar Rout said, "Despite apologies, Abhijit Iyer was sent to jail for making anti-Odisha remarks and Debasish Samantaray should be immediately arrested for insulting the martyr's kin."
Following criticism, the Barabati-Cuttack MLA today again apologised for his actions.
“I had made the relative of martyr Manoj Behera to sit after he pushed Union Minister Jual Oram during guard of honour. I had no intention of hurting anyone's feelings,” said Samantaray.