In a shocking development, the journalists who attended the press meet organised by BJD’s Lok Sabha MP Pinaki Mishra in Puri today, found cash worth Rs 200 in their media kit. They protested and walked out of the meet.

Puri MP Pinaki Mishra, who was left red-faced following the incident, tried to put up a volt face, saying he was not aware of any such move. He also promised action against the ‘guilty’. But, the damage was already done. Pinaki Mishra was addressing the press meet as the Chairman of Parliamentary standing committee on Urban Development. The event was organised by the Uco Bank.

The attempt to bribe the journalists, received flak from all quarters. People questioned the motive behind this. The Congress alleged that Naveen Patnaik government, which offered Re 1 rice to the poor to seek their votes, is now trying to buy the journalists by luring them with money. The journalists have already lodged a complaint against Pinaki Mishra at the Sea Beach police station in Puri.