GG News Bureau
Ganjam, 17th May. In a shocking incident of pre-poll violence, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) worker lost his life while several others sustained severe injuries during clashes with activists from the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in the Khallikote area of Odisha’s Ganjam district. The confrontation erupted late Wednesday night, leading to the demise of Dilip Pahan from Srikrushnasaranpur village under Khallikote police jurisdiction.
Expressing shock and condemnation, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik denounced the violence, emphasizing that such acts have no place in democracy. He extended condolences to the victim’s family and urged for swift action against the culprits. Additionally, the Chief Electoral Officer of Odisha instructed local authorities to restore peace and curb pre-poll violence in the region.
Sources said that the altercation ensued as BJP workers, including Pahan, were installing election campaign posters in Srikrushnasaranapur village, following their recent departure from the BJD. Tensions escalated when BJD activists objected to the poster placement, resulting in multiple injuries.
The injured were promptly transported to nearby medical facilities, with Pahan later succumbing to his wounds during treatment at MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur.
In protest, BJP supporters rallied outside Khallikote police station, demanding the immediate arrest of the assailants and disrupting traffic along roads connecting Khallikote to Bhubaneswar.
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