Patnaik rules out BJD joining mahagathbandhan; 'will keep equal distance from BJP, Cong'
Bhubaneswar, Jan 9: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Wednesday made it clear that his BJD will not be a part of the Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance).
Patnaik said as part of his party's policy, the BJD will continue to maintain equal distance from both the BJP and the Congress.
"We will continue with our policy of equidistance from the BJP and the Congress," he said.
"I want to clarify that as far as the Mahagathbandhan is concerned, the Biju Janata Dal is not a part of it," Patnaik told reporters on the sidelines of a meeting here.
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UP: Baghpat murder accused arrested after encounter
Baghpat (UP) (PTI): A murder accused was arrested on Tuesday, following a police encounter in Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat district, officials said.
During the encounter in the Baraut area, a head constable, Virendra, was injured, following which the police opened retaliatory fire, shooting the accused, identified as Irfan, in the leg, police said. Both are undergoing treatment at a district hospital.
Additional Superintendent of Police Praveen Kumar Chauhan said Irfan was wanted for beating to death his neighbour, Shoaib, over a water dispute.
Based on a complaint filed by the victim's father, Aas Mohammad, a case was registered against Irfan and four others, Dilshad, Rehan, Rohin alias Irm, and Israna.
Chauhan said Irfan had been absconding since the incident on Monday, following which multiple police teams were deployed to nab the accused.
Acting on a tip-off that he was planning another crime, police laid a cordon.
"When confronted, the accused opened fire at the police, injuring head constable Virendra. In retaliatory firing, the accused was shot in the leg and apprehended," the officer said.
Police said an illegal country-made pistol, a live cartridge and an empty shell were recovered from him.
Chauhan said efforts are underway to arrest the remaining accused.
