Odisha Elections 2024: BJD Moves ECI Alleging Poll Code Violation By Chhattisgarh Governor During Bhubaneswar Visit

Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Sunday moved the Election Commission of India (ECI) accusing Chhattisgarh Governor Biswabhushan Harichandan of violating the Model Code of Conduct during his recent visit to Odisha.

BJD spokesperson Sasmit Patra told reporters in Bhubaneswar that a complaint addressed to Chief Election Commissioner has been sent by e-mail, while a copy of the petition was also submitted in the office of Odisha’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO).

Patra claimed that Harichandan was on a visit to Bhubaneswar from April 30 to May 4 and during his stay he allegedly tried to influence voters to support his son Prithviraj, who is contesting as MLA candidate of BJP from Chilika constituency.

Apart from meeting people from Chilika at his residence in Bhubaneswar, the Governor also telephonically spoke to others to illegally influence voters of the constituency, the BJD petition alleged.

Urging the ECI to conduct a probe into alleged violation of poll code by Harichandan, BJD also requested the commission to caution the governor to refrain from coming to Odisha till the completion of election in the state.

The Chhattisgarh Governor is yet to react to the allegation made by the ruling BJD.