Ramakanta Biswas

Bijepur: Pre-poll violence erupted in Bijepur assembly constituency in Bargarh ahead of the much-awaited by-election after a local BJP leader was allegedly attacked over political rivalry.

According to sources, BJP worker Manoranjan Meher was attacked by unknown assailants near Kanapali Square in Bijepur on Friday night. Critically injured Manoranjan was then rushed to Bargarh hospital.

This is not the first time the local BJP supporter became the victim of ongoing political rivalry. Earlier during the by-election in Bijepur, miscreants had opened fire at Manoranjan’s house.

Senior BJP leaders alleged that the ruling BJD carried out the attack to threaten its party workers and supporters. The saffron party threatened to launch a massive protest if the accused involved in the attack are not arrested at the earliest.

“This is the strategy of BJD to suppress our supporters with the power of guns and swords. BJD is carrying out such attacks ahead of the by-election. Our party will launch massive protest if the accused and the mastermind behind the attack are not arrested at the earliest,” said BJP state vice-president, Aswini Sarangi.

Meanwhile, BJD leaders could not be contacted on the allegations of BJP.

scrollToTop