Bhubaneswar: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Odisha to address grievances raised by the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) concerning alleged irregularities during the Rajya Sabha elections held on March 16.
The BJD, led by former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, welcomed the ECI’s move on Wednesday, describing it as a prompt and responsible step that reinforces confidence in democratic institutions. “The BJD appreciates this swift and responsible action by the ECI, which reinforces confidence in democratic institutions. The party reiterates its commitment to ensuring transparency, fairness,
and accountability in the electoral process.”
The regional party added it would soon send a delegation to present facts and evidence before the CEO and seek necessary clarifications and action.
The poll panel’s direction came in response to a plea submitted by BJD MP Sasmit Patra to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The controversy stems from claims that second ballot papers were issued to two BJP MLAs — Upasana Mohapatra (Brahmagiri) and Purna Chandra Sethy (Khallikote)— during the polling for four Rajya Sabha seats. The BJD argued that the action violated the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961.
Patra’s letter followed an earlier objection by Naveen Patnaik on March 18.
Reports indicate that polling was briefly halted for about 30 minutes after a BJD agent objected to the issuance of a duplicate ballot to Upasana Mohapatra, who reportedly made a mistake on her first paper, citing issues like a faulty pen. The BJD maintained that such second ballots were illegal and that the votes should not have been counted.