Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), apprehending large-scale irregularities before and during the Nuapada byelection in Odisha, has urged the state’s chief electoral officer (CEO) to take adequate and urgent steps to ensure free and fair polling on November 11.
The state’s Opposition party has alleged there could be infiltration of “outsiders”, and misuse of money and muscle power.
BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty said his party had called for sealing of the borders of Nuapada constituency amid “credible reports” of illegal influx of people from neighbouring Chhattisgarh, allegedly supported by BJP leaders and workers, reported PTI.
“These outsiders intend to enter Nuapada to influence voters through coercion and financial inducements,” Mohanty said.
In a memorandum to the CEO, BJD alleged that some people from Chhattisgarh had already entered the constituency and were working with local BJP leaders to sway voters “through coercive and unethical means.”
The party also alleged that morphed videos were created and fake news circulated targeting BJD president Naveen Patnaik and its candidate Nuapada Snehangini Chhuria.
Such “malicious acts”, facilitated by artificial intelligence, were part of an attempt by BJP’s IT cell to defame BJD leaders and mislead voters, BJD claimed.
“Despite repeated complaints, no action has been taken by district authorities, who have reportedly demonstrated partisanship,” BJD said in the petition to the CEO.
Naveen’s party also sought immediate removal of unauthorised BJP banners and campaign materials that continue to violate the Model Code of Conduct on government property.