BJD hijacking cyclone relief in Patkura: Bijoy Mohapatra

Senior BJP leader Bijoy Mohapatra Monday alleged that the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has hijacked relief distribution work in cyclone-hit Patkura Assembly constituency in Kendrapara district.

Mohapatra, who is the BJP candidate in the Patkura Assembly seat, in a written complaint lodged by his election agent with the returning officer alleged that the state government's relief work has been turned into a tool by BJD candidiate Sabitri Agarwal to "induce" the voters ahead of the polls.

The government relief was distributed by BJD nominee Agarwal in the very presence of government officials in charge of relief distribution, he alleged.

The ruling BJD has made mockery of democracy by taking over the relief and restoration measures in the aftermath of cyclone 'Fani' which made a landfall on May 3, he claimed.

When contacted, the Kendrapara district unit of the ruling BJD declined to comment on the allegation.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) had postponed the polling