BJD candidate’s nomination found valid after BJP’s ‘office of profit’ allegation

Sambalpur: Nomination of BJD’s Sambalpur Lok Sabha seat candidate Nalini Kanta Pradhan was found valid today, a day after BJP alleged that he was holding the post of director of two corporations of the Odisha Government, which comes under office of profit.

Demanding rejection of candidature of Pradhan, BJP candidate for the constituency, Nitesh Ganga Deb had yesterday alleged that the BJD nominee was holding the post of director of Odisha State Police Housing and Welfare Corporation Limited and Odisha Construction Corporation Limited.

The concerned Returning Officer had then called for a hearing today to verify the allegations. The official found the nomination of Pradhan valid after scrutinizing the nomination papers and affidavit. Pradhan also informed the Returning Officer that he has already resigned from the two posts.

On the other hand, Ganga Deb said he will move the Orissa High Court in the matter alleging that the hearing was conducted illegally.