Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Friday moved Odisha’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), seeking action against BJP MP candidate from Bhubaneswar, Aparajita Sarangi, for alleged misuse of children in poll campaigns.
“It has come to our notice that Sarangi has been using small children in BJP election meetings and rallies for political gains. This is a clear violation of ethical norms and the rights of children, who should not be exploited for mere political interests of any party,” the BJD delegation said in its complaint.
The BJD mentioned that these violations continued despite a previous complaint against BJP leaders for employing underage children in election campaigning in Jatni assembly segment in Khurda district in adverse weather conditions. “This time, she has used an infant with a BJP ‘uttariya’ while campaigning along with the BJP’s Bhubaneswar Ekamra MLA candidate Babu Singh,” the party alleged.
The party urged the CEO to take immediate and strict action against Aparajita to ensure that she does not use children or infants in any form in her political rallies or events. “Such actions should serve as a deterrent to others and uphold the sanctity of our democratic process,” it added.
On April 15, the regional party had also lodged a complaint against BJP’s Kendrapada Lok Sabha nominee Baijayant Panda for allegedly using children during an election campaign at Tikanpur panchayat under Garadpur block the previous day.
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