BJP MLA seeks better security

BJP MLA seeks better security

BHUBANESWAR: BJP MLA from G Udayagiri in Orissa’s riot hit Kandhamal district, Manoj Pradhan on Tuesday appealed to Speaker Pradip Amata to avail better security for him as the outlawed leftwing guerrillas have threatened to kill him.

Pradhan had taken his oath as a member of the Assembly on Monday after he was released from the jail on Sunday on a 15-day conditional bail.So far, in G-Udaygiri, Naxalites have killed four RSS activists, besides eliminating VHP leader Laxamananda Saraswati and four of his associates.

The MLA was behind bars ever since his arrest on October 18, 2008, on charges of rioting and arson and was booked in 14 criminal cases, including seven charges of murder.

Pradhan stressed upon his innocence and repeatedly said that he was not involved in any violence. “I never ventured out of my house during the riots and I do not know who filed the cases against me. The charges against me are false but I have complete trust in the judiciary and know that justice will be done,” said Pradhan.

He blamed the Naxalites of the murders of Swami Laxmananda and four of his associates at a Jalespeta ashram in August 2008. After Pradhan’s release, the leader reportedly first visited the ashram to offer his prayers.

When quizzed about the Kandhamal riots, Pradhan said peace would be possible in the block only when the government addresses the three main issues — land, fake certificate and conversion. Pradhan appealed to riot victims staying at relief camps to return home.

The MLA had fought and won the recent elections from behind bars defeating a senior Congress leader, Ajayanti Pradhan.