Odisha Elections 2024: Ruling BJD Moves CEO Accusing Opposition BJP Of Intimidating Govt Officials

Bhubaneswar: The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Saturday moved Odisha’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) accusing opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of threatening and intimidating government officials on poll duty in the state.

A delegation of BJD visited the office of the CEO in Bhubaneswar and submitted a petition alleging that BJP leaders and candidates are threatening government officials on poll duty by misusing the name of the Election Commission of India (ECI).

The ruling BJD further alleged that BJP leaders are unleashing threats of transfers and punitive action against them ahead of the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in the state.

“Despite our repeated requests to you to intervene, Odisha BJP leaders and candidates are not ceasing in these illegal activities. In the past, we have places how BDOs, Tehsildars, DSPs and IICs were being called and threatened by these leaders and candidates with transfers and punitive actions by misusing the name of the ECI,” they said in their petition.

“We request you to take strong action against all the perpetrators of Odisha BJP who are doing such illegal activities against government officials on election duty,” they said, underlining the need to enable the officials to perform their duty properly to ensure free and fair elections.