Woman voter alleges assault by BJD activist during polls in Odisha; Union Minister seeks action

Bhubaneswar: A woman was allegedly attacked by a BJD activist near a polling booth under Hindol constituency in Dhenkanal district during the third phase Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in Odisha yesterday.

The woman was allegedly attacked after she refused vote for the ruling BJD in the polls. The victim reportedly sustained fracture in her right hand and injuries on her head in the attack.

BJP leader and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan today condemned the incident and hoped that the Director General of Police (DGP) in Odisha would take note of the incident and initiate appropriate action against the accused.

As per the complaint, the BJD activist reportedly asked the voters to vote for the ruling party at a polling booth in Rasol area under Hindol Assembly seat yesterday. He allegedly attacked the woman after she refused to vote for the BJD.

“The BJD leader, who is also involved in illegal liquor trade in Rasol area, asked the women voters to vote for the ruling party. He attacked me when I raised an objection. I have sustained fracture in my hand and injuries on head in the attack. I have lodged a complaint in this regard with Rasol police. The cops should arrest the accused immediately,” said the victim.

The Union Minister also shared a video of the victim on his Twitter (X) handle.

He also targeted the BJD government for its alleged failure to protect the women from violence and exploitation in the state.

“Violence has no place in democracy. The people of Odisha will not tolerate the hooliganism of the BJD leaders. They will give befitting reply to the ruling party in the state soon,” he said.