Balasore: A delegation of the BJP today moved the office of Balasore Collector seeking his intervention into the alleged violation of the election code of conduct by the leaders and members of the ruling-BJD.
The delegation comprising LoP Pradipta Naik, deputy leader Bishnu Sethi, State BJP general secretary Lekhashree Samantsinghar and others, in its complaint alleged that Energy Minister Dibya Shankar Mishra blatantly violated code of conduct and misused government machinery to garner votes. The minister allegedly assured electricity supply to the deprived households, and also promised development of roads and handpump repair in the area in 5 days at a time when code of conduct is in place.
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This apart, some self-help groups were engaged in the distribution of polythene sheets to people, the BJP delegation mentioned in the complaint.
"We couldn't meet the Collector, maybe there was pressure on him from the higher-ups. We have submitted the letter to the Deputy-Collector. We are of the opinion that elections should be held in a free and fair manner. BJD leaders and ministers trying to influence the voters through fake assurances is unfair. Why did they not carry out development activities prior to the by-polls?" said Naik.
However, State Minister Pratap Jena has refuted the allegations. "There is no truth in the allegations levelled by BJP. Whatever work is underway in the area, it was already in progress and a part of the ongoing project. No new work is being carried out. The BJP should in fact feel happy that developmental work is in progress in Balasore. If at some places roofless people were provided polythene sheets, what is the harm?" Jena said.
It is to be noted that the BJP delegation also met IGP (Eastern Range) Diptesh Patnaik today complaining about violence by the BJD against BJP party workers and police inaction during campaigning at Balasore Sadar.
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