BJP Using Cash To Influence Voters For Dhamnagar Bypoll In Odisha, Alleges BJD

Bhubaneswar: The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Tuesday accused opposition BJP of illegally influencing voters in bypoll-bound Dhamnagar Assembly constituency by using money and urged Odisha’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) to prevent the saffron party from indulging in unfair practices.

A delegation of BJD met CEO S K Lohani in Bhubaneswar and submitted a memorandum alleging that BJP leaders campaigning in the constituency are resorting to unfair methods to influence voters for the November 3 by-election.

Over the past few days since the campaigning has started in Dhamnagar, various BJP leaders are clandestinely meeting voters and forcibly trying to influence them through cash and other means, the ruling BJD said in its memorandum.

Claiming that BJP used money and other illegal methods in panchayat and urban local body elections apprehending defeat, it said BJP has started the practice in Dhamnagar  fearing defeat.

“We therefore request you to kindly look into this matter and ensure that the BJP does not indulge in such illegalities to influence voters. We also request you to kindly ensure a free and fair election,” it added.

Meanwhile, similar allegations have been levelled against BJD by BJP which accused the ruling party of violating the model code of conduct by using money power and government machinery.