She also told the Odisha News Insight that she and her husband were outside on other work and that can be easily ascertained by the investigators if they wish. That will negate Sujit Singh’s claims that he was tortured by the husband-wife duo.
Radharani Panda alleged that she was blackmailed by some vested interests for not paying attention to their demand. “I stand for my people, who have elected me. I will never bow down before the illegal demands. They can’t force me to do what my conscience does not allow. I was singled out because I wanted to protect the poor labourers against exploitation”, she said.
Radharani Panda claimed that she was threatened by anonymous callers, who vowed to kill her and install somebody else as a winner in bypolls. “I am a loyal party worker. I believe in my party and people in the constituency. I have explained everything to the top brass. I am awaiting justice in this case. I just hope they would stand by me and find a speedy resolution in this matter”, said Mrs. Panda.
The BJP MLA fears for her life and said it remains the misfortune of the state that a woman MLA is feeling unsafe under this government. “In 2011, a sitting MLA (Jagabandhu Majhi, Umerkote) was gunned down. Seems the government has still not woken up even 4 years after that incident. Do they want to see another assassination of an MLA to wake up?” She asked.