The mudslinging match between the ruling BJD and Opposition BJP has gained pace with both the political parties trading allegations over violation of the model code of conduct during the three-tire panchayat elections which kick started on Wednesday.
The ruling BJD has accused the saffron party of flouting the poll code enforced by the State Election Commission (SEC) in Ganjam district.
The party alleged that the Ganjam district BJP president Bibhuti Bhusan Jena has taken out a massive rally from a government-run high school in Golanthara after 7 pm. Moreover, the BJD has approached the SEC to bring the matter to its notice.
"Arranging a grand feast and organising a rally at government school is a violation of model code of conduct. We have knocked the doors of SEC seeking stringent action against Jena," said BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty.
Meanwhile, the BJP has refuted the allegations levelled by the BJD and instead accused the ruling party of violating the norms.
"We have never violated the model code of conduct, but BJD has. I don't know why they are complaining. I think they are doing so fearing defeat in the election," said Jena.