In a tragic incident a person was killed and three others sustained critical injuries in an alleged clash between BJD and BJP workers in Ganjam.
· The incident unfolded at a village where BJD workers purportedly launched a deadly assault on BJP supporters while they were erecting party banners as part of their election campaign.
· According to BJP supporters, who were formerly affiliated with the BJD, tensions escalated due to their defection to the BJP following the demise of the Khallikote queen.
· They alleged persistent opposition from BJD supporters during various activities and recounted a harrowing attack by around 25 bike-borne BJD supporters armed with sharp-edged weapons.
· In response to the violence, BJP workers staged a protest, blocking the road in front of Khallikote police station and demanding the immediate arrest of the perpetrators.
· Meanwhile, BJD supremo and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik unequivocally condemned the incident, expressing dismay over the loss of life and injuries suffered by the BJP workers.
In a tragic turn of events preceding the second phase of polling in Odisha, one individual lost their life, and three others sustained critical injuries in an alleged clash between Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers in Ganjam district.
The incident unfolded at Srikrushnasaranpur village under Khallikote block, where BJD workers purportedly launched a deadly assault on BJP supporters while they were erecting party banners as part of their election campaign. As a result, four BJP workers suffered severe injuries and were promptly rushed to Khallikote Community Health Center. Their condition deteriorated rapidly, necessitating their transfer to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur.
Tragically, one of the injured, identified as Dilip Pahan, succumbed to his injuries during treatment. While one patient has been referred to Bhubaneswar for further medical care, two others remain under treatment in Berhampur.
According to BJP supporters, who were formerly affiliated with the BJD, tensions escalated due to their defection to the BJP following the demise of the Khallikote queen. They alleged persistent opposition from the ruling party’s supporters during various activities and recounted a harrowing attack by around 25 bike-borne BJD supporters armed with sharp-edged weapons while they were installing saffron party banners.
In response to the violence, BJP workers staged a protest, blocking the road in front of Khallikote police station and demanding the immediate arrest of the perpetrators. Consequently, vehicular movement between Khallikote and Bhubaneswar was disrupted.
Reacting swiftly to the situation, Odisha’s Chief Electoral Officer Nikunja Bihari Dhal issued directives to the Ganjam district Collector and Election Officer to quell any further violence and restore peace in the region.
Meanwhile, BJD supremo and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik unequivocally condemned the incident, expressing dismay over the loss of life and injuries suffered by the BJP workers. The condemnation underscores the gravity of the situation and the imperative for all stakeholders to uphold the sanctity of the electoral process and refrain from resorting to violence.
(With inputs from agencies)
