Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Thursday accused BJP MLA Saroj Padhi of disrupting flood relief distribution and threatening to kill a government official on duty, demanding an impartial investigation and strict legal action against the legislator if found guilty.
Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters, BJD media coordinator Dr Lenin Mohanty said it was reprehensible that an elected representative allegedly obstructed relief work and abused and threatened an official at a time when thousands of flood-hit families were awaiting government assistance.
He alleged that Padhi targeted the official over personal differences with Minister Bibhuti Jena instead of helping affected families access relief and rehabilitation.
The BJD demanded an impartial probe into the incident involving government official Samir Jena, who lodged a complaint at Asika police station. Mohanty insisted that the investigation be kept free from political interference and that the MLA face stringent action if the allegations were proved.
He said threatening an official for discharging his duty not only undermined the dignity of an elected representative but also tarnished the image of Ganjam district and Odisha. He also questioned the BJP government’s silence over the alleged political interference in relief distribution.
The BJD maintained that relief operations must not be disrupted by political rivalries, and government officials should be allowed to perform their duties without fear or pressure.