BJD accuses BJP of horse-trading amid scuffle in Odisha RS polls

A scuffle erupted between BJD and BJP MLAs during Odisha's Rajya Sabha polls. BJD accused the BJP of horse-trading. LoP Naveen Patnaik also alleged election rule violations, claiming a legislator was illegally issued a second ballot paper.

BJD, BJP MLAs Scuffle Amid Horse-Trading Allegations

A scuffle broke out between Biju Janata Dal MLAs and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Odisha amid the voting for Rajya Sabha polls. BJD has accused BJP of indulging "in horse-trading" in the Rajya Sabha polls.

"BJP indulged in horse trading and bought some BJD MLAs to get their votes. When BJD MLAs opposed them, they countered us and attacked our people. This was unconstitutional. The law and order situation in the state is not right. When elected representatives are not safe, then how can common citizens remain safe? We did not attack anyone. BJP MLAs attacked BJD MLAs. We condemn this," MLA Sarada Prasanna Jena alleged.

Patnaik Alleges Election Irregularities

Earlier today, BJD chief and Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly (LoP) Naveen Patnaik alleged irregularities during voting for the Rajya Sabha elections, claiming that election norms were violated after a legislator was issued a second ballot paper.

Naveen Patnaik told ANI that the MLA from the Brahmagiri Assembly constituency had made an error while casting her vote. Patnaik said the polling officer issued a second ballot paper, which he claimed was against election rules. The Brahmagiri Assembly constituency is currently represented by Upasna Mohapatra.

"The MLA of Brahmagiri had made a clear mistake while voting. But the officer sitting in the voting room who is in charge of this has illegally accepted her vote and has issued a second ballot paper. This is totally against the democratic norms and a violation of election rules," Patnaik said.

He further stated that his party had strongly objected to the action but alleged that their concerns were not addressed by the officials overseeing the election process.(ANI)

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