Taking serious note of reports that journalists were allegedly bribed during his press conference in Puri, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP Pinaki Mishra on Thursday termed the incident as extremely unfortunate, and said that strongest action should be taken against those involved.
"It's an unfortunate incident, it was a UCO bank event, and we will take this up with the chairman. Strongest possible action has to be taken in this regard. There is nothing more unfortunate for me than this," said Mishra.
According to reports, over a dozen journalists who were present at Mishra's press meet yesterday alleged that they were given cash during the event.
Post the incident, the journalists started protesting against it.
According to reports, the journalists were given two currency notes of Rs. 100 each sealed inside an envelope.
The journalists have reportedly lodged an FIR against Mishra and BJD MLA Maheswar Mohanty who was accompanying him during the event. The journalists have accused the duo of bribing them for a favourable coverage.