The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has levelled more allegations against the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and a delegation of the saffron party met the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) and produced evidence to support their claims.
The BJP claimed that the ruling party has been making use of ASHAs and Anganwadi workers in its campaign and canvassing in Ganjam.
Besides, a block-level federation (BLF) member was seen holding the BJD’s party symbol and canvassing for the party in Chandbali, they alleged.
The BJP also alleged that the government has sanctioned over Rs 500 crore of the tribal welfare development department to an NGO despite the model code of conduct being in force.
The party also furnished pictorial evidence of the ASHAs and Anganwadi workers engaged in partisan activities.
Speaking to the media, the vice president of the Odisha BJP, Golak Mohapatra said, "We have submitted photos and videos of Anganwadi workers and ASHAs, who have been campaigning for the BJD candidates in Berhampur, to the CEO today.”
He further alleged, ”When the model code of conduct is in force, the government has sanctioned Rs 528 crore to an NGO which, we suspect, will help the ruling party in its operational areas.”
However, the BJD countered the allegations and senior party leader, Prafulla Samal said, "The party never asked Anganwadi and ASHA and BLF members to campaign. Women are so impressed by the development agenda of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik that they are spontaneously doing it. They want Naveen Babu as their Chief Minister again.”