Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Sunday moved Odisha’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) accusing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using children in poll work ahead of its national president J P Nadda’s campaign in Berhampur.
A delegation of BJD visited the office of the CEO in Bhubaneswar and submitted a petition alleging that BJP candidate for Berhampur Lok Sabha constituency Pradeep Panigrahi involved children from Class 5 and 6 of Gate Bazar area for putting up party flags and banners.
Claiming that the children were engaged in election work ahead of Nadda’s visit to attend a public meeting in Berhampur, the BJD said the use of minors in political canvassing and activities is not only unethical but also a violation of their rights and wellbeing.
It said children should be shielded from the complexities and controversies of political affairs and should instead be provided with a nurturing environment conducive to their growth and development.
The BJD petition further claimed that several other BJP leaders had also used children in election work in violation of the model code of conduct laid down ahead of the upcoming polls.
“We urge you to initiate a thorough investigation into these allegations and take appropriate disciplinary action against the perpetrators,” it said.
