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"The Commission has received the report from the District Collector of Khurda on the violation. There is nothing to show any violation of model code of conduct for the ensuing panchayat polls," a senior commission official said. No violation of model code was noticed in the speech and action of the chief minister at the meeting held in Tangi as alleged by opposition political parties, he said.
However, the District Collector has been asked to caution the two contestants, who were present at the Tangi meeting on January 22, not to identify themselves as political party candidates at any platform, he said. State Election Commission had on January 24 sought a report from Khurda District Collector on violation of model code of conduct allegedly by Naveen Patnaik.
The chief minister had rubbished the allegation. It was alleged that Patnaik allegedly shared dais at an election meeting in Tangi with the candidates contesting for the posts of sarpanch, member panchayat samiti and ward members contrary to SEC guidelines. Elections to these posts are held without any party symbol. Therefore, leaders of political parties were not supposed to campaign for them. Accusing Patnaik of violating model poll code, BJP and Congress had demanded action against him.
