Baijayant Panda charges BJD with sheltering criminal elements

Former BJD MP Baijayant Panda, who recently joined the BJP, Monday spewed venom at the Naveen Patnaik government, accusing it of being corrupt and sheltering criminal elements.

Addressing his first public meeting here after joining the BJP, he alleged that the BJD has forgotten the ideology of legendary leader Biju Patnaik, father of the chief minister.

"It has become a safe haven for goons and persons involved in the multi-crore chitfund scams," Panda, now a BJP national vice-president, alleged at a public meeting in Ichhapur under Kendrapara constituency that was represented by him twice.

Panda, who joined the BJP on March 4 after quiting the BJD a year ago, alleged that individuals with dubious credentials and corrupt bureaucrats are running the government.

His meeting was organised a day after Patnaik attended a women's convention in this coastal district.

Claiming that the state government has failed miserably on law and order, Panda said, "Safety of women is at a stake as there has been virtual breakdown of law and order machinery across the State."