Sambalpur, Nov. 12: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leaders have taken strong exception to a fake text message that states that MLA Raseswari Panigrahi has resigned. Party workers have lodged a complaint with the police in this regard.

The message states that the legislator has resigned to protest against the state government's decision to locate the proposed Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Bhubaneswar.

Panigrahi was in the forefront of the agitation until party spokesperson Samir Ranjan Dash backed Bhubaneswar’s claim because of the specifications laid down by the Centre.

Following Dash's announcement, Panigrahi had made it clear that she would abide by the party and the government’s decision.

“It is a fake message. I don’t know why such messages are being circulated. It is a crime. I can’t say anything about the intention of the people who are behind such mischievous messages. I leave it to the people to decide. I will myself inform people if I have to do so,” said Panigrahi.

“Panigrahi was one of the first persons who had met the chief minister and staked claim to have the proposed IIM at Sambalpur. However, by circulating such messages, some people are trying to malign our party ahead of the corporation election. We want the police to take immediate steps to identify and punish those involved in the incident,” said town BJD president Basant Mishra.

The sub-divisional police officer, Utkala Keshari Dash, said: “A complaint has been received in this regard. We are investigating the matter.”