Bhubaneswar, November 5:The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Thursday demanded stringent legal action against Asika BJP MLA Saroj Padhi for allegedly disrupting flood relief distribution and threatening to kill a government official while he was discharging his official duties.

Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters, Sankha Bhawan, BJD spokesperson Dr Lenin Mohanty strongly condemned the alleged incident and called for an impartial investigation into the matter. He said the incident was particularly disturbing as thousands of flood-affected families were waiting for essential relief and assistance.

Mohanty identified the government official as Samir Jena, who has reportedly lodged a complaint at Asika police station. He alleged that the MLA targeted the official due to personal differences with Minister Bibhuti Jena rather than prioritising the needs of flood-hit people.

The BJD spokesperson demanded a fair and transparent investigation, free from political influence, and called for stringent legal action against the MLA if the allegations are established. He said threatening a government official while on duty was unbecoming of an elected representative and had brought disrepute to Ganjam district and Odisha.

The regional party also questioned the BJP-led state government's silence over the alleged political interference in flood relief operations. It asserted that relief and rehabilitation activities must not become a battleground for political rivalry and that government officials should be allowed to perform their duties without intimidation, pressure or interference.

The BJD reiterated that the welfare of flood-affected people must remain the top priority and demanded accountability from those responsible for obstructing relief efforts.