Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Saturday moved Odisha’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) for urgent action against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Puri Lok Sabha candidate Sambit Patra accusing him of distributing cups with his photo and party symbol, the lotus.
A BJD delegation visited the office of the CEO and submitted a petition. The party alleged that besides flouting the principles of fair play, Patra’s act was in violation of the model code of conduct (MCC) also. They demanded that the total expenses incurred in the cups should be included in the party expenditure.
The BJD leaders alleged that Patra was misusing resources and manipulating public perception.
Stating that free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democracy and any attempt to subvert this fundamental principle must be met with swift and decisive action, the regional party urged for stringent action against the BJP candidate.
The regional party also urged the CEO to take proactive steps to prevent such incidents in the future.
