Odisha BJP delegation meets Rajnath over law and order

New Delhi, May 1 (IANS) A delegation of Odisha BJP leaders led by Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday met Home Minister Rajnath Singh seeking his intervention over the law and order situation in the state.

The five-member delegation of the BJP leaders submitted a memorandum to the Home Minister accusing Odisha's ruling Biju Janata Dal of physically silencing political opponents.

The delegation also demanded protection for Parbati Sasmal of Kalikuda in Jagatsinghpur, who was allegedly attacked by BJD supporters for handing over a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a road show in Bhubaneswar on April 15.

"We seek your intervention to ensure safety and security to the lady and others of her like. We urge you to use your good office to take up the issue with the government to ensure justice to a poor lady," the memorandum said.

Sasmal, who manages her family by rearing goats, was allegedly attacked by BJD workers for voting BJP during Panchayat elections and the police has taken no action against the culprits, the memorandum said.

The memorandum further said that after the Panchayat elections, the BJD workers became very violent against political opponents and 10 persons have died in violent incidents.

"The BJP members are out to physically silence political opponents in Odisha. Instead of a democratic fight, the party has resorted to violence against political opponents," it said.

Later, talking to reporters Pradhan said that the Home Minister has assured them of all possible action against the culprits.

"The Home Minister has assured us that he will talk to the state government and will take all possible steps," he said.

The delegation comprised of BJP's national spokesperson Sambit Patra, state General Secretary Prithviraj Harichandan, state Secretary Lekhashree Samantsinghar and Convenor of Pavasi Odia cell Subhash Gantayat.