Bhubaneswar: The State BJP today sought immediate intervention of Election Commission to restrain the open violation of poll code in Kendrapara by the ruling BJD.
The State BJP Vice president Pitambar Acharya Sunday approached Odisha Chief Electoral Officer Surendra Kumar with the charge that BJD chief and Chief Minister Naveen, who has been camping in Kendrapara since last two days, is distributing Rs 45 to 50 crore to voters through party workers.
“Several ministers and MLAs of the ruling party, including Atanu Sabyasachi, Subash Chouhan, Arup Patnaik, Sarada Nayak, with the help of Biju Yuva Vahini members are hatching a plan to capture all 1,992 booths in Kendrapara Lok Sabha constituency,” said Acharya.
Urging the CEO to ensure free and fair polls in the constituency, Acharya sought deployment of central paramilitary forces and issuance a leave order for all outsiders camping in the constituency prior to polling.
Earlier in the day, a BJP delegation led by Samir Mohanty lodged a complaint at CEO office stating how despite enforcement of silence period before the polling day tomorrow, several BJD ministers and MLAs are still camping in Kendrapara constituency.
The BJP delegation has alleged that as many as 97 ministers and legislators of the ruling party are camping in Kendrapara Lok Sabha constituency in contravention to the poll code norm.
As per norms, during silence period no political parties or their leaders can engage in any public meeting, rally or promotional event that may influence voters.
The saffron party has further protested the Election Commission’s decision for repolling at booth no – 127 in Bhubaneswar-Central Assembly constituency. Terming the move as unwarranted, BJP demanded immediate repeal of the decision.
On the other hand, the BJD has also moved the CEO alleging violation of poll code by the saffron party. A team of ruling party leaders led by spokesperson Sasmit Patra met the CEO and alleged that despite silence period, the saffron party is trying to influence the voters by sending voice calls from a particular mobile number.
Six Lok Sabha constituencies-- Kendrapara, Balasore, Bhadrak, Mayurbhanj, Jagatsinghpur and Jajpur and 41 Assembly segments under them will go to polls tomorrow.