Bhubaneswar: Even though the ruling BJD is yet to announce its candidates for the forthcoming general elections and state elections, the Odisha’s law minister Pratap Jena has indirectly disclosed that Prasant Behera is going to be the BJD candidate this time.
Salepur is now represented by Congress MLA Prakash Behera.
Jena’s appeal, however, kicked off a controversy with both Congress and BJP demanding action against him for violation of model code of conduct. The two national parties have urged the Chief Electoral Officer(CEO) to act upon it.
An audio of the minister offering Rs 35 lakh to panchyat that would vote for BJD has gone viral on social media.
An audio tape of the minister’s “announcement” of Rs 35 lakh reward has gone viral on social media.
Congress chief spokesperson Satya Nayak and BJP spokesperson Samir Mohanty have filed complaint with the CEO stating that this is a case of bribing the voters.
BJD spokesperson Sasmit Patra, however, said that the matter is now in the court of the CEO. “Let us wait for his decision”, he said.
