Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal on Thursday levelled serious allegations against BJP MLA Saroj Padhi, accusing him of disrupting flood relief distribution and threatening to kill a government official who was on duty. The party demanded an impartial investigation into the matter and strict legal action against the legislator if the charges are found true.
Addressing a press conference at the BJD headquarters, party media coordinator Dr Lenin Mohanty described the incident as reprehensible. He said an elected representative allegedly abused and threatened the official at a time when thousands of flood-hit families were waiting for government assistance.
The official involved is Samir Jena, who has lodged a complaint at Asika police station. Mohanty alleged that Padhi targeted the official due to personal differences with Minister Bibhuti Jena. He stressed that the MLA should instead have helped affected families receive relief and rehabilitation support.
Mohanty demanded that the probe remain free from political interference and said the MLA must face stringent action if the allegations are proved. Threatening an official on duty, he said, undermines the dignity of an elected representative and tarnishes the image of Ganjam district and Odisha.
The BJD also questioned the silence of the BJP-led government over the alleged political interference in relief distribution. The party asserted that relief operations must not suffer due to political rivalries and that officials must be allowed to work without fear or pressure.
