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Balasore: Union Minister and Balasore MP Pratap Sarangi on Sunday hit back in style after his missing posters were found in several parts of the district.
While the incident is seen as the culmination of political rivalry, people were taken aback by the posters in and around the city.
Speaking to OTV, Sarangi said, "Apart from being the Balasore MP, I am a Union Minister. Only cowards resort to such means but I don't care such activities."
Sarangi , who is the Union Minister of State for Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, said leaders and ministers have to work for people and the country and they can't just sit back warming chair in their constituencies.
Sarangi was reportedly in Delhi for the Parliament session when the lockdown was announced. And hence, it has been not possible for him to return to Balasore due to the nationwide restrictions, said sources.
Of the posters put up in the district, one with Sarangi's picture read, “Help! Our MP is missing. Please help us find him.” Another picture claimed, “He has not been seen in Balasore for long. Please help us to find him.”
Meanwhile, members of the district unit of the saffron party termed the incident as unacceptable and demanded stern action against the culprits.
"It's an incident to belittle the image of the Union Minister. We have lodged an FIR for immediate action against those spreading such offensive rumours," said Umakant Mohanty, BJP's Balasore district president.
Sources said as many as 4 persons have been named in the complaint lodged before the police. A probe has been initiated in connection with the incident.
On the other hand, Congress leader Sanjib Giri said, "The party is not involved in the incident. However, I'm not sure if any Congress member shared the pictures on social media platforms."
Also Read: Pratap Sarangi Bats For Universal Edu Schedule For Students Across India Amid COVID-19
Also Read: COVID-19 Lockdown: Union Min Pratap Sarangi Urges Odisha Govt To Help Needy Not Having Ration Cards
(Edited By Suryakant Jena)
