Nuapada, Oct 31: The Nuapada by-election is a few steps away, on November 11. Aiming a phenomenal victory from the coveted seat, ruling BJP, opposition BJD and Odisha Congress are frantically electioneering across the Assembly Constituency. Meanwhile, BJD workers on Thursday indulged in an oral duel with the enforcement officials, at Khariar Road under the constituency over a surprise raid on the BJD premises.

According to reports, Magistrates accompanied by security forces raided the residence of BJD star campaigner Pritiranjan Gharai, rented at the Khariar Road. Though Gharai was not present in the accomodation during the raid, sleuths inspected the residence minutely, much probably suspecting huge cache of cash hoarded here for the election. However, there was neither any cash nor any objectionable items that breach the model code of conduct.

On being informed, BJD state leaderships along with the ground level workers present in the field rushed to the spot and prevented the way of the sleuths. Blocking their ways before the raided residence, they questioned the magistrates and security head, of the very reason and the basis behind the raid.

With no substantial answer from the enforcement team, BJD leaders with its youth wing carried a protest before the Collector Office. Later the agitation further intensified when party leaders demonstrated in front of the District Collector’s official vehicle, asking him to show the document, on basis of what the raid was conducted.

Following the incident, Senior BJD leader Debi Prasad Mishra said, today’s raid was quite illegal and politically driven.

The raiding team claimed that, they conducted the search operation in pursuance of the Election Commission’s order. However, they could not show any document pertaining to the instant raid, Mishra added.

On the other hand, Odisha BJP in one of its official posts on X mentioned, BJD is anticipating defeat in the Nuapada by-election. Taking it granted, it’s just making a hue & cry before the game bringing baseless accusation against the BJP.

Nuapada district admin or ECI Authorities however, have not yet disclosed any details about the raid, the underlying reason and the inventory of seizure from the spot.