Bhubaneswar/New Delhi: A team of BJP including Union Minister Piyush Goyal, party's national vice president Baijayant Panda and spokesperson Sambit Patra met the Election Commission of India today alleging conspiracy by BJD president and Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik to stop Patkura Assembly polls.
After meeting the EC, Sambit Patra said that the BJP wants a free and fair re-polling in Patkura and the EC has been apprised about the attempts being made to stop the polls for vested interests.
"We discussed with the Election Commission about how re-polling could be held in Patkura Assembly constituency by May 23. We also apprised the EC about the new Kendrapara collector Prem Chandra Choudhury who used to work for CM Naveen. The EC has assured us to look into the matter," said Patra.
He further said that in 60 days, it will be rainy season and so, the Patkura poll needs to be held earlier.
On the other hand, Odisha BJP vice president Samir Mohanty alleged that the appointment of Choudhury as Kendrapara collector has been done by the ruling-BJD in view of the Patkura poll.
"The way Choudhury had submitted an affidavit from his side in connection with the poll irregularities case in the Orissa High Court when he was Ganjam collector, it proves that he shares cordial relationship with the BJD and his transfer to Kendrapara is part of the ruling party's plan to influence the election."