Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Wednesday accused the BJP of strangling democracy in the Nuapada bye-election by misusing the government machinery and openly violating the Model Code of Conduct.
At a press conference at Sankha Bhawan here, senior BJD leaders Pramila Mallik and Tukuni Sahu, presented a detailed dossier of violations, calling it “the murder of democracy” and “a shameful chapter in Odisha’s electoral history.”
BJD whip Mallik alleged that the BJP distributed money and gifts during campaign and silence period, which usually begins 48 hours before the voting day and ends after polling ends. “Documentary evidence of the same has been submitted to the Chief Electoral Officer,” she said.
She further mentioned that the residence of former minister Priti Ranjan Ghadai was raided without a search warrant, and an IT raid was conducted at the house of local BJD leader Manoj Mishra. “The helicopter of Naveen Patnaik was grounded for three hours to disrupt his scheduled roadshow and public meeting in Nuapada,” she claimed.
She further alleged that BJP workers were caught campaigning inside booths on the polling day. “Despite submitting evidence-backed complaints to the election officials, BJD received no effective response. Even amid all these violations, the people of Nuapada have shown unwavering support for BJD,” she asserted, expressing strong confidence in the victory of party candidate Snehangini Chhuria in the Nuapada by-election.
Former minister Tukuni Sahu alleged that government officials on election duty behaved like BJP agents. “BJP leaders stayed put in the constituency during the silence period and distributed cash under police protection while the Opposition compiled. At Booth 250, EVMs allegedly directed all votes to BJP’s lotus symbol, but this malpractice was suppressed. Claiming a free and fair election in Nuapada had become a farce,” she alleged.
Biju Chhatra Janata Dal president Ipsita Sahu, who was also present at the presser, alleged that the DIG was sent on leave and replaced by IG to favour BJP. “The district administration and police administration worked openly to ensure the ruling party’s victory, making this a dark chapter in the state’s electoral history. The BJD workers were detained for complaining about cash distribution,” she claimed.