A former BJP leader was shot dead by a group of armed Maoists in Orissa's Malkangiri district on Saturday night, in the run up to the polls with the Naxalites issuing threat not to take part in any political activity in the area.
Nanda Kumar Kartami, former district council president, was returning to Uskalbag village from Malkangiri by a motorcycle when the ultras struck near Sikhpali, 20 km from here, police said on Sunday.
The Maoists intercepted Katami's bike and chased him when he tried to run away, police said adding that the ultras sprayed bullets killing Kartami on the spot.
The body of Kartami was lying on the road.
Maoists have put up posters and banners in the area warning people against contesting and taking part in the forthcoming elections.
They have warned that anybody found participating in the poll activities would be punished.