Absconding BJP poll candidate releases video statement

Puri: A day after police issued a look out notice against BJP candidate from Satyabadi Assembly Constituency Om Prakash Mishra for allegedly ransacking a pooling booth and vandalising the EVM during the third phase polls on April 23, the later today refuted the allegations and sought an impartial probe into the allegations.

In a video message, the absconding poll candidate said, “the role of district administration in booth rigging should be properly investigated and stern action be taken against the errant,” adding that he is ready to face any kind of punishment if he is found guilty.

Mishra also alleged that bogus voting had taken place at seven to eight booths at places like Birakishorepur, Nuagaon, Jagulaipadar and Telengapada in the knowledge of the district administration. Stating that such incidents are an indicator of unhealthy democracy, he demanded an inquiry into the same by a special committee.

Refuting allegations of EVM vandalisation leveled against him, the MLA candidate said, “I could not even reach the polling booth that day. BJD goons had vandalized EVMs. The MLA candidate of the the ruling party had pressurised the presiding officer to lodge complaint against me,” he alleged.

Mishra also alleged though he and his partymen complained about rigging at various polling stations, neither the administration nor the district observer did take any action in this regard.

“In Telengapada booth, our party workers caught a micro-observer franchising over 200 votes after completion of voting. The local Tehsildar approached us to suppress the matter,” Mishra alleged.