Bhubaneswar: A BJD delegation on Tuesday moved the chief electoral officer (CEO), Odisha, alleging violation of model code conduct (MCC) by a Cabinet Minister, and sought his intervention to ensure free and fair by-election to Nuapada Assembly constituency.
The party alleged that Minister of School and Mass Education, ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Nityanand Gond campaigned for BJP nominee Jay Dholkia while addressing a meeting within the premises of Gopinath GNM Nursing Training College at Nuapada on Monday. “Though the meeting was reportedly organised under the banner of the Gond Samaj, its content and purpose was overtly political, aimed at influencing voters in favour of the BJP candidate,” the memorandum addressed to the CEO alleged.
The BJD further noted that such actions not only erodes public confidence in the fairness of the electoral process but also sets a dangerous precedent for the misuse of educational institutions and public office, which is prohibited under the MCC to maintain the neutrality of such spaces.
The party also accused Gond of misusing his official position or state resources for electoral advantage.
“By conducting and participating in a political meeting within an educational institution, Gond has clearly violated the provisions of the MCC. He has abused his position as a Minister, undermined the neutrality of his office, and attempted to influence a vulnerable section of the electorate comprising students and educational staff. Such conduct has also created an uneven playing field in the ongoing bye-election for the 71-Nuapada Assembly constituency,” it said.
BJD urged the ECI to take immediate cognisance of this violation and initiate an inquiry into the incident.
“….necessary measures be taken to prevent the misuse of educational institutions or other government properties for political activities during the ongoing election period, thereby ensuring a fair and impartial electoral environment,” the memorandum concluded.
