Bhubaneswar: Reacting to the poll violence in Khallikote, the Chief Election Officer (CEO) of the state, Nikunj Bihari Dhal, expressed his concern. The CEO directed the Ganjam Collector and SP to take immediate action against the pre-poll violence in the district on Thursday. He stated that the pre-election violence would not be tolerated. The Election Commission and CEO of Odisha have a zero-tolerance policy for any law and order situation in India. To prevent all kinds of violence, he has ordered the administration to take necessary measures.
Notably, in an unfortunate event, huge violence erupted in Khallikote before the election. Two groups clashed over lifting a poster, resulting in seven people from both sides being injured and the death of one BJP worker. The administrator has implemented Section 144 after the violence.
CM Condemns pre-poll violence
CM Naveen has condemned the violent incident and expressed his condolences for the deceased. He wrote on X,
Deeply disturbed and saddened at the very unfortunate and tragic incident of violence in the Khallikote area. Such incidents of violence have no place in our democracy and civil society. I strongly condemn this incident. My deepest condolence to the family who have lost their loved ones and praying for the early recovery of those who sustained injuries. I am sure police will take strong and exemplary action against the perpetrators of this heinous crime.
Deeply disturbed and saddened at the very unfortunate and tragic incident of violence in the Khallikote area. Such incidents of violence have no place in our democracy and civil society. I strongly condemn this incident. My deepest condolence to the family who have lost their loved ones and praying for the early recovery of those who sustained injuries. I am sure police will take strong and exemplary action against the perpetrators of this heinous crime.Ruling party resorted to violence out of fear of losing: Dharmendra
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressed grief over the death of BJP party worker Dilip Pahan in pre-election violence in Ganjam district and strongly condemned the attack by BJD workers.
I am deeply hurt and saddened by the unfortunate death of our party worker Dilip Pahan in the pre-election violence in Khallikote. Violence and injustice have no place in democracy. I condemn in the strongest possible terms the attack on BJP workers by BJD workers. The ruling party has resorted to violence out of fear of losing. The sacrifice of the workers will not go in vain. The people will give the right answer through the ballot.
I am deeply hurt and saddened by the unfortunate death of our party worker Dilip Pahan in the pre-election violence in Khallikote. Violence and injustice have no place in democracy. I condemn in the strongest possible terms the attack on BJP workers by BJD workers. The ruling party has resorted to violence out of fear of losing. The sacrifice of the workers will not go in vain. The people will give the right answer through the ballot.He demanded that the election officials and the police administration immediately conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and take strong action against the culprits. He prayed for the immortal soul and expressed his condolences to the bereaved family. He wished the injured a speedy recovery.
