Political News
A BJP candidate, Prashant Jagdev, was arrested in Odisha's Khurda district for allegedly vandalizing an EVM after waiting in line due to a malfunction, officials said on Sunday.
Jagdev, the BJP MLA of Chilika, is contesting from the Khurda assembly segment. The incident occurred on Saturday at booth 114 in Bolagad block's Kaunripatna where Jagdev is registered to vote.
Accompanied by his wife Jagdev became frustrated when the EVM malfunctioned causing a delay. A confrontation ensued with the presiding officer during which Jagdev allegedly pulled the EVM from the table causing it to fall and break.
Superintendent of Police Avinash Kumar said Jagdev was arrested based on the presiding officer's complaint and later sent to judicial custody at Khurda jail. Jagdev was booked under the Representation of People's Act and various IPC sections.
The presiding officer claimed Jagdev disrupted the voting process and abused polling personnel. An investigation including reviewing CCTV footage is underway.
A BJP leader dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, claiming the presiding officer misbehaved with voters including Jagdev.
The ruling BJD also filed a complaint alleging Jagdev attacked polling staff and fled in MP Aparajita Sarangi's vehicle. Polling took place on Saturday for six Lok Sabha seats and 42 assembly constituencies in the state.
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