Two BJD MLAs "fraudulently" acquires caste certificate: WODSP

Sambalpur, Aug 19 (UNI) The Western Orissa Dalita Surakshya Parishad (WODSP) has demanded the arrest and dismissal of two MLAs for adopting fraudulent practice in acquiring caste certificates.

In a statement here WODSP Chairman Nihal Singh alleged that Rairkhol MLA Sanatan Bisi and Titlagarh MLA Jogendra Behera have produced scheduled caste certificates and have been elected from the reserved constituencies in Western Orissa.

Mr Singh said the Act clearly clarified that only ''Pana, Ghasi, Kandara, Bauri, Dhoba'' are untouchables castes in Orissa whereas ''Kaibartay, Keuta and Dhibara'' are treated as "touchables".

But by terming themselves equal with ''Dewars'' of Madhya Pradesh, the two MLAs have successfully acquired scheduled caste certificates and contested the election from the reserved constituency.

The WODSP Chairman said the profession of ''Dewar'' in Madhya Pradesh is totally different from that of the ''Kaibartya, Keuta and Dhibara'' of Orissa.

He said, the Supreme Court has also made it clear that no court of the country has the power to equalize one caste with another.

However, the two MLAs utilising their influence as ruling party members, have procured the caste certificats and have been elected to Orissa Assembly.

He demanded that the two MLAs be arrested under IPC 420 and dismissed from Orissa Assembly for resorting to fraudulent practice.

When contacted Rairakhol MLA Sanatan Bisi dubbed the allegation of the Parishad as ''baseless'' and said there had been no abnormality in his caste certificate and election from the reserved constituency Mr Behera was however, could not be communicated to get his reaction to the allegation.

UNI