Odisha Elections: BJD Accuses BJP Of Distributing Cash In Rourkela, Seeks Immediate Action By CEO

Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Tuesday moved Odisha’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) alleging that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members are trying to woo voters in Rourkela by distributing cash and also threatening people opposing them.

A delegation of BJD leaders visited the office of the CEO and submitted a petition seeking urgent investigation into the electoral misconduct and immediate steps to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.

In its written complaint, BJD has alleged that BJP’s Mandal President Sapteswar and his aide Jagababandhu Sahoo were seen distributing cash at the Jagada Water Tank area in Vishwakarma Basti of Ward 37 of Rourkela Municipal Corporation at about 9:30 pm on Monday.

“We are writing to bring to your attention a matter of grave concern regarding potential electoral misconduct and intimidation that has recently transpired within the jurisdiction of the Rourkela Municipal Corporation, specifically in the Vishwakarma Basti area of the 37 Number ward,” the letter read.

The regional party alleged that BJP members are putting pressure on the residents to vote for the party’s candidate in the forthcoming elections which has created fear and unrest among people as the law enforcement agencies have been non-responsive.

“Despite efforts to seek recourse through legal channels, it is disheartening to note that the local police authorities have thus far failed to provide adequate cooperation. This lack of responsiveness from law enforcement only exacerbates the sense of vulnerability and disenfranchisement felt by the affected community,” they alleged.

It may be mentioned that Rourkela is going to polls in the second phase on May 20. While BJD has fielded Sharada Prasad Nayak, Dilip Ray is contesting from the Rourkela Assembly seat with a BJP ticket.