BJP accuses BJD of resorting to violence

The Odisha state unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Monday accused the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) of resorting to violence against its workers.

Arun Singh, in charge of the BJP's affairs in Odisha, alleged that such acts were being carried out due to the party's rising popularity in the state.

"The ruling party is in a desperate situation after the successful visit of BJP national president Amit Shah. It has now resorted to violence and is assaulting our party workers on finding that the popularity of BJP is rising in the state," Arun Singh told media persons here.

He cited some instances where the BJD workers allegedly assaulted the BJP activists in the state.

"While a presidential candidate for the students' union election of Utkal University was attacked by some BJD workers inside the campus, Anandpur College union president was thrashed and ABVP joint secretary was also assaulted," said Singh.

He said a BJP worker, Sulakshyana Dalai, was beaten to death by the ruling party members in Dharmasala block but no action was taken against the accused, Rupa Dalai.

Police arrested the accused, but later released him, said Singh.

The BJP has decided to constitute a three-member committee led by party spokesperson Sameer Mohanty to take stock of the situation, and submit a report to the director general of police, demanding action against the culprits.

Meanwhile, the BJP has decided to ste up its membership drive to reach the target of 40 lakh enrolment by March 31.

"We have enrolled over 10 lakh members so far. We have decided to organise a three-day special membership drive, starting Jan 23," the BJP leader said.

"Once the organisation is strengthened, BJP will unseat the ruling BJP and no one can dethrone our party for next 20 years in the state," said Singh.