BJP objects appointment of double-murder accused BJD leader as Kendrapara observer

Bhubanewsar: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday came down heavily on the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) over the appointment of former minister and senior BJD leader Pratap Jena as the party observer for Kendrapara district.

Addressing a press conference here, state BJP vice-president Lekhashree Samantsinghar said that the BJD was present wherever there was crime, corruption, and law and order. The party, she said, was not at all concerned to punish the perpetrators.

Samantsinghar alleged that two ministers — Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak and Ranendra Pratap Swain — are linked to the Kendrapara minor girl gang rape case and no action was taken against them.

“Moreover, the BJD is trying to indulge in violence politics by giving responsibility of Kendrapara district to Pratap Jena, who is accused in the sensational Mahanga double murder case,” she alleged.

“Wherever there is an allegation of rape and molestation in Odisha, the suspected roles of BJD leaders are there. It clearly shows that BJD has turned into a party of molesters. What is quite shocking is that the perpetrators are never taken to task. On the other hand, they are seen getting protection by their political bosses,” alleged Samantsinghar.

Pratap Jena is an accused in the Mahanga double murder case that took place on January 2, 2021. He was recently appointed BJD observer for Kendrapara district.

"Jena entered politics from Mahanaga in 2009 and we had not heard about such crimes and political murders. There have been five political murders since then and it is alleged that Jena has direct or indirect links in them," she added.

No comment was received from the BJD leaders.