BJD demands action against Dharmendra for misbehaving with flying squad

Reporterstoday, BHUBANESWAR, APRIL 18: Biju Janata Dal today demanded strong action against Union Minister and BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan for his misbehavior with members of the Election Commission’s flying squad trying to frisk his helicopter.

Bringing the issue to the notice of the Chief Electoral Officer in a written complaint, a BJD delegation comprising Sambit Patra, Lenin Mohanty and Sulata Deo said the officials, now working under the disposal of the Election Commission of India were just carrying out their responsibility conferred on them by the ECI.

When the flying squad members tried to carry out a check of the helicopter, Pradhan flared up, misbehaved with them with violent physical gestures, calling names in threatening voice, while resisting their bid to proceed, the delegates told the CEO.

The whole incident was telecast in almost all TV channels, they said and added that the CEO should take up the issue with all seriousness and take stern action against Pradhan.

They also brought to the notice of the CEO the presence of a suitcase inside the helicopter, which they suspected to contain cash.

“It should also be investigated,” they demanded.

On the other hand, BJP also today complained that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s chopper parked at Patnagarh since April 14 is being guarded by police officers of the State government.

The party demanded that the cost of guarding should be realised from the BJD candidate for Patnagarh Assembly seat and candidate for Bolangir Lok Sabha seat.

Similarly, they complained to the CEO, BJD Candidate for the Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha seat, Arup Patnaik, is sending bulk messages to the voters without permission from the Election Commission. Action should be taken against Patnaik for violating the model code of conduct, they said.