Political violence was witnessed in different parts of the State during the urban local body (ULB) elections on Thursday, leaving several people injured.
A youth suffered critical injuries after he was stabbed following an altercation over casting of votes in Bhadrak district. He was attacked in front of booth No-16 under Ward-9 of Dhamnagar NAC. He was admitted to the District Headquarters Hospital. Locals held a road block protesting the attack.
A clash between supporters of two rival political parties was reported from a booth in Natha Sahi under Ward-25 of Bhadrak Municipality. Extra police force was deployed to bring the situation under control.
In another incident, Sisir Kumar Sahu, Vice-Chairman of Khandapada block in Nayagarh district, was attacked over political enmity in front of a booth at the Khandapada Women’s College. Sahu alleged that he was attacked by Independent candidate Arati Pradhan’s husband and his associates.
Three BJP workers were injured and several vehicles were ransacked in a poll-related violence at Chikiti NAC in Ganjam district. Sources said more than 200 BJD workers allegedly barged into the Chikiti NAC Chairperson candidate Pushpanjali Sethi’s house and went on a rampage.
Congress and BJD workers clashed near the Jhankarpada School in Kantabanjhi NAC of Balangir distrcit where polling for Wards-14 and 15 was underway. Two BJD leaders Pinki Kharsel and Balangir district secretary Firoz Khan were injured.
At Booth No.9 in Ward No.VII of Pipili NAC in Puri district, a BJP agent was attacked by the workers of a rival party. The seriously injured agent was admitted to the Pipili Government Hospital.