BJD Alleges Model Code Violation By Union Minister Tudu In Dhamnagar Bypoll In Odisha, Demands Action

Bhubaneswar: The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Sunday accused Union Minister Bishweswar Tudu of violating the model code of conduct while campaigning for BJP for Dhamnagar Assembly bypoll in Odisha and demanded action against him.

A BJD delegation visited the office of the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) in Bhubaneswar and submitted a memorandum alleging that the Union Minister of State for Jal Shakri violated the poll code while campaigning in Dhamnagar on Saturday out of ‘desperation’ as he apprehended BJP’s defeat in the by-election.

Claiming that it also submitted a video to the CEO, the BJD alleged that Tudu while speaking during his visit to the constituency had promised to undertake works of the Central government related to his Ministry in Dhamnagar, in clear violation of the model code of conduct (MCC).

Meanwhile, a BJD delegation, including party MPs Amar Patnaik and Sasmit Patra, also met the Election Commission of India (ECI) at Nirvachan Sadan in New Delhi and submitted a similar memorandum accusing Tudu of violating poll code in Dhamnagar. They demanded action against the Union Minister.

Stating that the MCC guidelines prohibit any form of promise and assurance about undertaking government works by a public representative while the poll code is in force, the memorandum said “in this case, a Union Minister is seen violating the MCC.”

The BJD memorandum claimed that the video shows Tudu stating that he has already told the CWC (Central Water Commission) and central government officials. He further promised that he would hold discussion with them and send them to Dhamnagar, the ruling party claimed.

It further accused the Union Minister of having stated that a officials of the Centre and state will undertake a joint visit and submit a report within a month after which necessary action will be taken regarding works.

“Such promises and assurances by the Minister of State Jal Shakti, about Jal Shakti works in Dhamnagar where bypoll is being held, is a clear and blatant violation of the model code of conduct,” the BJD memorandum claimed, adding that the Union Minister indulged in such violation out of desperation as BJP fears defeat in the November 3 by-election.

Demanding strict and exemplary action against the Minister, the BJD said “if action is not taken against the concerned Union Minister of State, it will set a very bad precedence for the voters of Dhamnagar and for democracy.”