Bhubaneswar: With electioneering picking up in Odisha, the BJD has accused the BJP of using children in campaigning for its candidates.
In a letter, submitted to the Chief Electoral Officer in Bhubaneswar on Monday, the BJD alleged that 15-20 children were found participating in a rally taken out by BJP at Jatni block chowk under Jatni Assembly segment in Bhubaneswar Parliamentary constituency on April 7 in violation of the rights of children and the Election Commission’s guidelines.
“BJP’s Bhubaneswar MP candidate Aparajita Sarangi, Jatni Assembly seat candidate Biswa Ranjan Badajena and Chilika MLA Prasanta Jagadeb were present in the rally along with other BJP workers. We have enclosed photo and video evidence of use of children in rally,” BJD leaders said in the letter.
“The use of children in election campaign is not only unethical but also against the principles of a free and fair election. Children are vulnerable and should not be exploited for political gains. Their involvement in such activities can have a negative impact on their well-being and development. Moreover, involving the children in election rally, particularly when the temperature is around 42 degree Celsius, is dangerous and inhuman,” they added.
They appealed to the Chief Electoral Officer to take immediate action against the BJP leaders for using children in their election campaign and hoped that the Election Commission will uphold the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that such incidents are not repeated in the future.
