Odisha BJP holds rally, demands action in Bargarh attack case

The BJP's Odisha unit here on Monday held a rally and staged a demonstration to demand strict action against those involved in the attack on a cavalcade of two Union minister in Bargarh on June 24.

Several senior state Bharatiya Janata Party leaders participated in the demonstration in front of the Raj Bhavan here.

The opposition party also submitted a memorandum to Governor S.C. Jamir to seek his intervention in the matter.

"The state government has failed to act against the ruling Biju Janata Dal's leaders, including MLAs and a state minister, involved in the attack on the Union ministers," state BJP President Basant Panda said.

He said the Governor has assured them of directing the Naveen Patnaik government to act against the culprits.

"The attack was clear for everybody to see. Windowpanes of a car were shattered. The culprits should get arrested immediately," said another BJP leader Arun Singh.

Claiming that the BJD resorted to violence in view of the BJP's growing popularity in Odisha, he pointed a finger at the Chief Minister's Office for the attack.

Senior BJP leader Bijay Mohapatra asked why the state government did not take action against police officials, including Bargarh Superintendent of Police, for failing to provide security to the Union ministers.

The cavalcade of Union ministers Santosh Gangwar and Sadhvi Niranjan and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda was allegedly attacked by BJD workers when they were on their way to attend the BJP's 'Vikas Ustav' in Bargarh on June 24.

However, the BJD denied the charges.

"The state government has initiated action against those involved in the attack. The Revenue Divisional Commissioner has been asked to probe the matter," said BJD spokesperson Sameer Das.

He said the BJP is making it a political issue ahead of the panchayat elections.

--IANS

cd/tsb/dg