Odisha Polls: BJP Demands Action Against CMO Officials By CEO For Violating Model Code

Bhubaneswar: Odisha unit of BJP on Sunday alleged that the chief minister’s office (CMO) was repeatedly violating the model code of conduct and sought action from the chief electoral officer (CEO) against it.

A team of state BJP leaders, led by former state president of the party Samir Mohanty, submitted a petition with evidence to substantiate their allegation to the CEO in Bhubaneswar on the day.

Speaking to media after filing the complaint, Mohanty said ministers, MPs and leaders of BJD besides some officers were openly violating the model code. “Vineel Krishna, an officer in CMO, was present during a visit of BJD leader VK Pandian to Jagannath temple in Puri on Saturday night. We have submitted the pictures and video in this regard to the chief electoral officer,” he said.

The BJP leader further said besides the officials of CMO, those of district administrations have been violating the MCC since it was put into force on March 16. Earlier, an OAS officer was found receiving the resignation letter of a former MP at Naveen Niwas, the official residence of chief minister Naveen Patnaik, he alleged.

Similarly, another officer Gopabandhu Das, who has been found participating in BJD’s roadshows, continues to work in the CMO. “These officers have been misusing their government posts to influence the electorate to elect BJD to power. We demand an investigation into the allegation by the CEO and stringent action against the officers found violating the model code of conduct,” said Mohanty.