BJD leaders have links with criminals: Odisha Congress

As Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik hailed the Odisha Police for its drive against the mafia and anti-social elements, the Congress state unit on Friday accused certain ruling BJD leaders of having links with criminals.

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) denied the allegation.

"Serious allegations have been levelled against two BJD legislators in Cuttack. While one is said to have links with arrested criminal brothers - Sushant and Sushil Dhalasamant - the other is involved in a chit fund scam," senior Congress leader Narasingh Mishra said in Cuttack.

The leader of the opposition in the state assembly said law was not taking its course under the BJD rule and police investigation in these cases was not heading in the right direction.

He said his party had moved a motion in the assembly to discuss the nexus of leaders with criminals.

"We have moved a motion on the nexus of the ruling party leaders and the government with criminals. Though no discussion has been held yet, we hope it will be undertaken in the coming days," Mishra said.

The BJD denied the charge and said that no one found guilty would be spared. "The state government will not spare anyone, including political leaders, irrespective of their political parties, for links with criminals," BJD spokesperson Shasibhusan Behera said.

Earlier on Friday, Patnaik praised the Odisha Police on its 81st Foundation Day. "I appreciate the police drive against the tender and transport mafia, organised crime and criminals. It is necessary to expedite the drive in future," Patnaik said.

He announced a threefold increase in the annual grant for Odisha Police Welfare Fund to Rs.30 lakh.