Odisha Panchayat Polls: BJP Files Counter-Allegation Against BJD For Model Code Violation

Bhubaneswar: A day after ruling BJD sought action against BJP MLA Bishnu Charan Sethi for violating model code of conduct for the panchayat elections, the opposition party submitted a memorandum to SEC alleging misuse of government machinery by ruling the party.

A delegation of BJP led by state general secretary Golak Mohapatra on Saturday apprised the State Election Commission of violation of model code by BJD during campaigning for its candidates in the election.

Mohapatra said the ruling party was using the government officials to influence the people to vote for BJD in the election. The officials are also threatening the voters of the benefits of government’s welfare schemes if they did not support BJD, he alleged.

Stating that it was a gross violation of the model code of conduct and democratic principles, Mohapatra demanded necessary steps against the officials.

Citing an example, the BJP leader said on the direction of BJD, the village level workers (VLWs) were distributing old age pension among the beneficiaries, who have not been issued official certificate, in Pantikari panchayat under Odagaon block of Nayagarh district.

Similarly, hundreds of BJD workers campaigned in rallies in violation of COVID restrictions in favour of party candidate for zone number 38 in Dampada block of Cuttack district Asish Kumar Sahu and zone 30 candidate in Bhubaneswar constituency Babita Rout, Mohapatra stated in the memorandum.

Stating that the party has furnished necessary evidence to substantiate their allegation, the BJP leaders demanded that SEC should take exemplary action against the BJD leaders so that a fair and transparent election can be ensured.

It may be noted that a delegation of ruling BJD on Friday submitted a memorandum to SEC stating that more than 100 BJP workers attended a party programme held under the leadership of Dhamnagar MLA Bishnu Charan Sethi in Karada panchayat of Bhadrak district on January 26 in violation of the code of conduct guidelines.

Also Read: BJD Seeks SEC Action Against BJP Legislator For Violation Of Code Of Conduct In Odisha’s Bhadrak