Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Monday moved Odisha’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) against Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Bhograi Assembly candidate Ashis Patra of distributing sewing machines to women group in violation of the model code of conduct (MCC).
In a petition to the CEO, the ruling BJD alleged that supporters of the BJP MLA candidate were involved in the distribution of ten sewing machines in Kamarda panchayat area.
The distribution of sewing machines to a group of women constitutes a clear violation of the MCC, which prohibits any form of inducement or bribe to voters during the electoral process, the petition said.
“We believe that such actions undermine the principle of free and fair elections. The distribution of sewing machines by a political candidate during the election period not only influences the voting behaviour of individuals but also creates an uneven playing field for other candidates contesting in the same constituency,” it said.
It is imperative that strict action be taken against such blatant violations of electoral norms to uphold the sanctity of the democratic process, BJD said.
