Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday requested Odisha DGP to take strict action against a ruling BJD leader accused of physically assaulting a woman for refusing to vote for the ruling party in Hindol under Dhenkanal Lok Sabha seat, reported news agency PTI.

This comes days after the chief electoral officer (CEO) directed the Angul district administration to submit an action-taken report regarding a ruling BJD MLA allegedly involved in attacking voters in Chhendipada area.