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Bhubaneswar: Main opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Tuesday lodged a formal complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Odisha against School and Mass Education Minister Nityanand Gond and others alleging violation of the model code of conduct in the upcoming Nuapada bypoll.
The party in its complaint has also mentioned BJP candidate in Nuapada by-election Jai Dholakia and the authority of an educational institution in Nuapada district.
Briefing the media after meeting the CEO, senior BJD leader Lenin Mohanty said that Minister Gond had visited an educational institution in Nuapada and participated in an event organized under the banner of Gond Samaj on October 20, where he allegedly made political commitments and campaign related comments.
The party in its complaint alleged that Gond actively campaigned for Dholakia during the event.
“Although the meeting was allegedly organized under the banner of the Gond community, its content and purpose were clearly political, aimed at influencing voters in favor of the BJP candidate,” he said.
The senior BJD leader called it a clear violation of the model code of conduct by the state minister.
Mohanty said, “As per Election Commission rules, no educational institution can be used for political purposes once the election process begins. Despite the model code of conduct being in place, the minister participated in the program and made promises, which is a clear violation of the election guidelines.”
He said the BJD delegation has demanded a detailed investigation and strict action against all those involved, including the minister, the BJP candidate and the institution concerned.
“The complaint specifically names School and Mass Education Minister Nityanand Gond, BJP candidate Jai Dholakia and the educational institution where the event took place, which is reportedly government aided,” Mohanty said.
According to BJD sources, the CEO has assured the delegation that an investigation will be conducted and appropriate action will be taken as per the election norms.
–IANS