BJD Accuses BJP Leader & Reporter Of Distributing Cash During Polling For Odisha’s Padampur

Bhubaneswar: Even as polling continued in Padampur assembly constituency with 65.28% voter turnout till 3 pm, the BJD on Monday moved the Chief Electoral Officer, Odisha, Sushil Kumar Lohani, seeking action against leader of BJP Kalahandi Krishak Morcha and a reporter of a local media channel.

While the ruling party accused Sudhir Patjoshi, who is also a general secretary of the saffron party in the state, of distributing money among voters at Chheliamal village, Kechhodadar gram panchayat under Paikmal block, it alleged that a report of a local channel was instigated them to level cash-for-vote charges against BJD.

“In the video enclosed with this petition, the reporter can be clearly seen coercing a voter at Bijadihi village under Paikmal block of Padampur to say that the BJD had given him Rs 2,000 while recording it on his mobile phone standing next to a white car,” the memorandum said.

“The voters are being threatened if they refuse to say the same on camera,” it said.

“We hope this incriminating evidence will help you to take action against the BJP leader and reporters, who are violating the electoral laws and model code of conduct with disdain,” it added.