Bhubaneswar, Nov 2: BJP State vice-president Lekhasri Samantsinghar on Thursday questioned the legitimacy behind appointing 'tainted' MLA Pratap Jena as the Kendrapara district observer of the BJD. 

In a reaction, Samantsinghar expressed her doubt that Jena, who is an accused person in Mahanga double murder and many other criminal cases, might be observing the 'extent' of crimes in Kendrapara.   

"Biju Janata Dal is a shield for criminals. Pratap Jena is involved in the Mahanga double murder case. It is not understood how a party shields a man who is involved in a crime," criticized Samantasinghar. 

He was ousted from the Council of Ministers as elections were fast approaching. Despite a summon, Jena didn't appear in the JMFC Court. It is not understood how he was appointed Kendraprara district observer. 

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