Bhubaneswar: Alleging that Odisha BJP has turned massively violent against BJD after realizing their certain defeat in the 2024 elections, ruling BJD today urged Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) N B Dhal to take prompt action against violators.
A delegation BJD including senior leaders like Sasmit Patra and Sulata Deo today submitted a memorandum to the CEO in this regard.
“We would like to bring to your urgent attention two deeply disturbing incidents of violence and vandalism orchestrated by BJP leaders and supporters, which have severely disrupted the election campaigns and posed serious threats to the safety and security of candidates and their supporters. These incidents highlight the alarming trend of lawlessness and intimidation being employed by BJP workers as they face the prospect of impending defeat in the 2024 elections,” the BJD said in its petition to the CEO.
Narrating the first incident, the BJD alleged that a violent attack was made on MLA Pranab Balabantray’s rally on the 27 May, 2024, around 4 PM. The rally, which had official permission from Rahamba Rasalpur to Pakhara GP Dharmasala, was maliciously disrupted by a Scorpio vehicle carrying supporters of an earlier BJP leader.
The vehicle, traveling at high speed and coming from the opposite direction, deliberately ran over approximately 20 motorcyclists participating in the rally, they alleged.
This horrific act resulted in severe injuries to four individuals, while 50-60 others sustained minor injuries. Additionally, around 20 motorcycles were severely damaged. This incident was not merely an accident but a premeditated and murderous attack aimed at intimidating and harming Balabantaray and his supporters, read the petition.
Informing about the second incident, the BJD said on the evening of the 26 May, 2024, another alarming incident of violence occurred near Terundia Gram Panchayat in Nimapada Block.
Rudra Maharathy, MLA of Pipili, was traveling through the area when his vehicle was attacked by a group of BJP leaders and workers. These assailants, identified as supporters of BJP leader Sameer Dash, a close associate of BJP MLA candidate for Nimapara Assembly constituency, Pravati Parida, who under their instructions carried out an unprovoked attack, severely damaging Maharathy’s car, they alleged.
“This brazen act of vandalism was evidently motivated by the BJP’s fear of impending defeat, leading their supporters to resort to desperate measures. Such violence not only endangers the lives of candidates and their supporters but also undermines the democratic process by fostering an atmosphere of fear and intimidation,’ the ruling party further said.
“We trust that you will take these matters seriously and take swift action to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election process. The sanctity of our democratic process depends on the ability of candidates and their supporters to campaign without fear of violence and intimidation” the BJD prayed before the CEO.