According to sources in the state BJP unit, efforts have already been initiated by the party to release him on parole for the purpose. Except Pradhan, all the newly elected MLAs of the 147-member Orissa House have already taken oath, officials in the assembly secretariat said.
Pradhan was elected on BJP ticket from Kandhamal’s G Udaigiri Assembly constituency by defeating sitting Congress MLA and president of the party’s district unit Ajayanti Pradhanby a margin of about 24,000 votes. He fought the polls from behind bars.
Published 27 May 2009, 20:11 IST