Odisha Elections 2024: BJD Seeks Action By ECI Against MCL Official For Poll Code Violation

Bhubaneswear: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Sunday moved Odisha’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) alleging violation of model code of conduct (MCC) by an official of the Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL), a central public sector undertaking (CPSU).

A delegation of BJD leaders visited the office of the CEO in Bhubaneswar and submitted a complaint against Badyanath Sahoo, personal assistant to the General Manager of the MM department in MCL, accusing him of violating the poll code.

The BJD leaders alleged that Sahoo engaged in activities that are in direct contravention of the rules governing the conduct of employees of public sector undertakings.

Claiming that Sahoo has given political statements to a private web channel, they said he has been actively participating in political activities in a public capacity.

“This behaviour is not only unethical but also a clear violation of the guidelines that prohibit employees of public sector undertakings from engaging in any form of political activity,” the BJD petition said.

Demanding a thorough and impartial inquiry into the actions of Sahoo, BJD sought appropriate disciplinary action against him in accordance with the law to ensure that such violation is not repeated in the future.