BJP workers hurl eggs at Odisha Agri Min again

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Balangir, Sep 14:

A day after BJP workers hurled eggs at Odisha Agriculture Minister Pradeep Maharathy’s car in Balangir, the saffron party activists repeated the act today despite tight security arrangements for the Pipili MLA here.

According to reports, several BJP workers pelted eggs at Maharathy’s car at Bhagirathi Chhak here when the minister was on the way to attend a meeting of the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA). They also waved black flags at Maharathy.

Police have arrested four BJP workers for their alleged involvement in the incident. Members of BJP staged dharna in front of the Balangir Town police station protesting the arrests.

Earlier in the day, some BJP workers had shown black flags to Maharathy at Rugudipada here. As many as four workers, including three female activists, were arrested in this connection.

“It is necessary for ministers and administrative officials to visit various places for proper execution of different schemes. But the opposition parties are hurling eggs and showing black flags to them. People haven’t accepted such acts,” said Shashi Bhusan Behera, BJD spokesperson.

Notably, several BJP workers had pelted eggs at Maharathy’s car at Sudapada level crossing in Balangir district last evening. The incident took place while Maharathy was on his way to Balangir and his vehicle had stopped near the level crossing.

It may be recalled here that Maharathy had on August 18 dared BJP to try and oppose his tour to Balangir. He had threatened that he would ensure that no union minister will get to visit Pipili, if he faces opposition in Balangir.