Roopdhar Pudo of Ambedkarite Party of India (API), the sole challenger for BJP from Antagarh constituency in the bypoll, accused the ruling party of trying to lure him with ‘attractive offers’ and ‘threats’ to withdraw from the contest. Pudo said, “Indirect pressure was exerted on me to move out of race.”
BJP rubbished the allegations: BJP State secretary and spokesperson Sanjay Srivastava rubbished the allegations by Pudo and said that it was just a publicity stunt by the API candidate.
“BJP is capable enough to contest against all candidates. The BJP refutes the charges and neither the party nor party leaders have any concern with withdrawal of candidature by any candidate or candidates,” said Srivastava.