BJP suspects abduction of party MLA before RS polls

On the eve of voting for the Rajya Sabha elections in Odisha tomorrow, BJP tonight alleged party MLA Manoj Pradhan was missing and apprehended he might have been abducted.
"It is apprehended that he has been either kidnapped or restrained at some place for reasons pertaining to upcoming voting for Rajya Sabaha elections tomorrow," BJP legislature party leader Jaynarayan Mishra said in a letter to the Special Election Observer for Rajya Sabha polls, Anil Kumar Jha.
Stating that Pradhan, MLA from G Udaygiri assembly segment in Kandhamal district, was missing since 11.30 am today, Mishra said the legislator is untraceable since then.

The party also requested the Special Election Observer to take appropriate action to trace Pradhan and ensure he is allowed to vote as per his will, Mishra said in the petition to the Special Election Observer.
The party has also informed the Director General of Police (DGP) Prakash Mishra, a party leader said.
The news of BJP MLA's going missing has created panic among the legislators in the state.
DGP Prakash Mishra said "he (Manoj Pradhan) is yet to be traced so far.