BJD, BJP Trade Barbs Over Breaching MCC Ahead Of Dhamnagar Bypoll

Bhubaneswar: As high-voltage Dhamnagar by-poll is inching closer, two state rival political parties were seen trading barbs.

While the BJP accused the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD government of BJD blatantly violating the model code of conduct during a party workers’ meet in Dhamnagar four days ago, the conch party accused BJP of illegally influencing voters in by-poll-bound constituency by using money.

The BJD has also urged Odisha’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) to prevent the saffron party from indulging in unfair practices.

A delegation of BJD met CEO S K Lohani in Bhubaneswar and submitted a memorandum alleging that BJP leaders campaigning in the constituency are resorting to unfair methods to influence voters for the November 3 by-election.

Claiming that BJP used money and other illegal methods in panchayat and urban local body elections apprehending defeat, it said BJP has started the practice in Dhamnagar fearing defeat.

Over the past few days since the campaigning started in Dhamnagar, various BJP leaders are clandestinely meeting voters and forcibly trying to influence them through cash and other means, the ruling BJD said in its memorandum.

“We, therefore request you to kindly look into this matter and ensure that the BJP does not indulge in such illegalities to influence voters. We also request you to kindly ensure a free and fair election,” it added.

The conch party’s reaction came after BJP state president Samir Mohanty alleged that BJD blatantly violated the model code of conduct during a party workers’ meet in Dhamnagar four days ago and a video of the whole episode has gone viral.

The viral video showed a BJD member offering money for votes using the name of the Chief Minister, he said.

The BJP leader said BJD worker named Jayant Kumar Bhoi made an announcement at the meeting that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will give Rs one crore each to every panchayat that brings higher votes for his party.