BJP demands release of arrested MLA candidate Prasanta Jagadev, warns of Khordha bandh

Bhubaneswar: The BJP today demanded the release of its arrested MLA candidate Prasanta Jagadev and warned of observing Khordha bandh it the demand is not met.

“While Jagadev was about to cast his vote for Assembly seat, some people kicked the EVM, as a result of which it fell down and broke. However, it was alleged that Jagadev resorted to violence and created ruckus. The allegations are baseless and imaginary. The State Government has hatched a conspiracy against Jagadev to target him,” a BJP leader said.

“Jagadev was picked up illegally by police when he was on his way to visit other booths in a vehicle with Bhubaneswar MP. If he is not released by tomorrow, the BJP will gherao the Khordha Sub-Collector’s office and block National Highway. We will also call for Khordha bandh if our demand is not met,” the leader added.

Notably, Jagadev was arrested for allegedly damaging an EVM at a polling booth in Odisha’s Khordha district during the third phase of the twin polls in the state on Saturday.

Jagadev had gone to the booth along with his wife to cast vote, during which he allegedly vandalized the machine.

On the basis of a complaint lodged by the concerned Presiding Officer, police detained Jagadev for questioning and later arrested him. He has been sent to judicial custody.

A case was registered against him under Sections 452, 448, 294, 354, 323, 332, 427, 171(c), 506 (i), 354 and 34 of the IPC.

Notably, Jagadev was elected to Odisha Assembly from Chilika seat on a BJD ticket in 2019.

He was expelled from the ruling party for his alleged unruly behaviour. He later joined the BJP and got the ticket to fight the 2024 Assembly polls from Khurda seat.