Bhubaneswar: Opposition BJP and Congress continue their attack on BJD over assassination of Cabinet Minister Naba Kishore Das.
While BJP alleged that a powerful BJD leader is behind the murder, Congress demanded resignation of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik as Home Minister.
Speaking to media persons here on Monday, Senior BJP lawmaker Subash Panigrahi alleged that a powerful BJD leader from the coastal area of the state is behind the murder of Minister Naba Das.
“Naba Das was associated with many businesses, had a strong business empire and was also a powerful leader of western Odisha. So, it was a politically business murder,” alleged Shri Panigrahi.
Politically a conspiracy was made to eliminate him so that a political leader could grab Shri Das’s business empire, he further alleged.
“One influential leader in the coastal area of the state is behind the murder of the Minister and ASI Gopal Das has been made a scapegoat, the BJP MLA further alleged.
The BJD has no sympathy for its departed leaders and it’s only objective is to win the election, he added.
On the other hand, Congress MLA Santosh Singh Saluja said, “The probe is limited to pen and paper only. There are many angles to his death like business, politics and personal rival. But, a big conspiracy is behind the murder.”
As some influential leaders may be involved in the case, the Congress is demanding for a Orissa High-Court monitored SIT probe.
Similarly, State Congress president Sarat Pattanayak said the CM, who also holds the Home portfolio, has failed to protect his own Cabinet Minister. It is for the first time in Odisha’s history that a police officer has shot dead a Minister, he said.
If the Chief Minister is unable to discharge his responsibilities properly, he should step down as Home Minister, the Congress president demanded.
On the other hand, BJD said Naba Das’ demise is a big loss for the party.
“Naba Das’ death is a big loss for the party. He was a powerful and influential leader of Western Odisha. Crime Branch is probing into the case and it will bring the truth soon,” said BJD MLA Byomakesh Ray.