BJP-BJD face-off: Pratyusha Rajeshwari & Irani Ray engage in fierce exchange of words

Political climate in Nayagarh district is heating up, with the BJP and BJD local leaders locked in a verbal and political showdown following a recent incident of violence. Tensions have escalated after BJP leader Pratyusha Rajeshwari and BJD leader Irani Ray engaged in a fierce exchange of words on Wednesday.

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The controversy began after an alleged attack on Itamati Mandal president named Shravan Kumar Ram on September 28 in a nearby village. He was later admitted to Nayagarh district headquarters hospital (DHH). Following the incident, local police launched raids at multiple locations to arrest the accused, who are alleged to be BJD workers.

Pratyusha visited the hospital, checked on Shravan’s condition, and demanded the immediate arrest of culprits. Shortly after, police conducted a late-night raid at the residence of BJD’s Irani Ray, sparking outrage.

Irani held a press conference, accusing the BJP leader of misusing her influence and claiming the police were harassing her under political pressure, saying: “You’ve made a big mistake by waking a sleeping tiger.”

“Pratyusha Rajeshwari Singh has directly alleged that around 20 BJD-sponsored goons have attacked their BJP Mandal president. I entirely disprove her accusation. Police entered my premises and raided my house at night at around 2.30 AM without giving prior information to me and without taking my permission,” the BJD leader said in a presser.

Pratyusha hit back strongly, declaring: “Goondaraj in Nayagarh will certainly end soon.” The matter has now become the centre of political discourse in the district.

“Everything of the 24-year BJD rule has been exposed. The Mohan government will put an end to it. Residents of Nayagarh have already given a befitting reply. Injustice and assault will not be acceptable in the district,” the BJP leader stated to mediapersons.