BJP leader Jagannath Pradhan met with Odisha BJP State President Manmohan Samal at the party’s state office on Wednesday evening for over an hour to discuss ‘internal party matters’.
The meeting follows the recent controversy involving an alleged attack on Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahoo, which has drawn widespread condemnation.
Samal, addressing the media, described the discussion as an internal party matter, stating that details could not be disclosed publicly. He emphasised that the attack on the BMC official has been universally condemned, including by the BJP, and expressed regret over the incident.
“No one is above the law, and appropriate action will be taken against those who violate it,” Samal said, adding that the government is addressing the issue and will take necessary steps. He urged that further discussion on the matter was unnecessary.
The meeting was reportedly prompted by demands from the Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) Association for Pradhan’s arrest in connection with the alleged assault. However, Samal clarified that no specific decision regarding the incident was made during the meeting.
BJP MLA Babu Singh, who was present at the party office, confirmed that a one-on-one discussion took place between Samal and Pradhan. “Jagannath Pradhan respects the law and will cooperate with any legal proceedings,” Singh said. He reiterated that the party condemns any violation of the law, regardless of political affiliation, and stressed that those responsible for the incident would face consequences.
The OAS Association has been vocal in its protests, demanding accountability for the attack on the BMC official. Meanwhile, the BJP leadership has maintained that the government will handle the matter appropriately, with Samal noting that the issue is being closely examined.
