Bhubaneswar, Nov 28: An FIR has been registered against BJD leader Manmath Routray for allegedly making defamatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi during the recent Nuapada assembly bypoll, police said on Friday.

The case was filed at the Cyber Police Station in Bhubaneswar under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act, 2000.

Complaint Filed by BJP Leader

According to police officials, the FIR was lodged on Thursday based on a written complaint submitted by state BJP leader Jayant Kumar Jena on November 14. Jena alleged that Routray had posted content on social media that was “defamatory, misleading, and derogatory” towards the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister.

Also Read: BJD Faces Turmoil Over Sujata Karthikeyan Succession Debate

Video Evidence Cited

The FIR notes that Routray was seen in a video clip using derogatory language and gestures directed at PM Modi and CM Majhi. Police stated that the allegations amount to defamation and harming the reputation of the leaders. The matter is now under investigation, with authorities examining the content and its potential impact.

Political Context

The controversy comes in the backdrop of the Nuapada assembly bypoll, where BJP candidate Jay Dholakia secured a massive victory with a margin of 83,748 votes. The Congress finished second, while the BJD, Odisha’s main opposition party, was pushed to third place.