Odisha Congress president blames BJP for attack on his vehicle
BHUBANESWAR: Odisha Congress president Niranjan Patnaik on Monday alleged a group of miscreants, who had attacked his vehicle in Keonjhar district on Sunday night, belonged to the BJP. His allegation coincided with the police on Monday arresting a man identified as Sanjay Mohanty for his alleged involvement in the case.
“On my way to Keonjhar, my car was attacked by miscreants on Sunday night. They thrashed my driver and personal security officer (PSO). An FIR was lodged with the police. I was shocked to know that the miscreants were members of BJP’s Youth Wing,” Niranjan tweeted.
The Congress state chief had escaped unhurt when the miscreants waylaid his vehicle near Kashipur and assaulted his co-passengers. “I had initially assumed they were drunk and attacked my driver and PSO without any motive. But, now I am sure the attack was politically motivated. This is a clear case of political vendetta and desperation of the BJP,” Niranjan said.
Police did not reveal the motive of the attack. “We have arrested one person and identified four others. Raids are being conducted to arrest them. The motive of the attack is being investigated,” Keonjhar SP, Mitrabhanu Mohapatra said. Police did not disclose whether the accused belonged to the BJP.
BJP condemned the attack on Niranjan’s vehicle, though the party was mum on the political allegiance of the attackers. “We do not promote violence in politics and democracy. I condemn the attack on Niranjan Patnaik’s vehicle,” BJP state president Samir Mohanty said.
BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty too condemned the attack bid on Niranjan and slammed the BJP for allegedly engineering the assault. Recently, the BJP accused the BJD of fomenting political violence in Mahanga area of Cuttack district following the murder of a BJP leader and his relative. Police had registered a case against 13 persons, including minister Pratap Jena in the twin murder case.