Odisha Elections 2024: BJD Seeks CEO Intervention To Prevent Poll Violence By BJP

Bhubaneswar: The BJD has sought the intervention of Odisha’s chief electoral officer (CEO) in preventing election related violence allegedly perpetrated by BJP.

In a memorandum submitted to the CEO on Friday, a delegation of BJD leaders said the bomb attack on their office at Nayapalli in Bhubaneswar on Thursday night led to damage of a motorcycle and the office premises. “The explosion caused panic among the local residents. It appears that the purpose of this attack was to instill fear among BJD workers and the local public, thereby discouraging their support for the party,” they claimed.

Stating that this was not on isolated incident, the BJD leaders said several other violent incidents involving BJP workers in different constituencies of Odisha needed urgent intervention by the CEO.

They said the BJD supporters were allegedly attacked by BJP workers in the presence of BJP MLA candidate for Gopalpur seat Bibhuti Jena in Golantara panchayat of Ganjam District. This unprovoked attack resulted in injuries to K Sontosh Das, Kedar Behera, and Viki Behera, highlighting a blatant disregard for democratic norms.

In Padagiri village under Patrapur block of Ganjam district, workers affiliated to the BJP reportedly attacked the shop and house of Suryanarayan Padhy, resulting in serious injuries to two BJD workers. This act of violence, occurring in front of the police, is a clear violation of the law and democratic principles.

In Golantara panchayat under Rangeilunda block, a campaign vehicle of Vikram Panda, BJD MLA candidate for Gopalpur, was attacked by a bike rally of BJP’s Gopalpur MLA candidate Bibhuti Jena. The attackers not only damaged the vehicle but also threatened its driver with dire consequences.

Similarly, in Nayagarh block, a murderous attack was carried out on four BJD youth leaders by workers associated with the Odisha BJP. This brutal assault resulted in serious injuries to several persons.

Expressing concern over these incidents of violence, they said those raised serious doubts over the integrity of the electoral process in Odisha. “We urge the Election Commission of India to enhance security measures and ensure high security for voters to uphold the principles of democracy and ensure a free and fair election in Odisha. We request your urgent intervention in this matter to prevent further violence and ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions,” they said.