Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
Bhubaneswar, Nov 12 (IANS) The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Wednesday expressed confidence that its candidate Snehangini Churiya will emerge victorious in the recently concluded Nuapada Assembly by-election despite alleged “violations” of the model code of conduct by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) aimed at manipulating the election process and misusing government machinery.
At a press conference held in Bhubaneswar, the party leader termed the alleged irregularities and misuse of official machinery by the ruling party during the by-elections as an attack on democracy.
Senior BJD leader and party’s chief whip in the Odisha Assembly, Pramila Malik, said that several cases of violation of the model code of conduct by the BJP were brought to the notice of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Odisha and many of these were also reported in the media.
He said BJD has submitted concrete evidence to election officials regarding distribution of sarees and money among voters by BJP during the campaign period.
Mallick also raised the issue of ‘illegal’ raid by the local police allegedly without a search warrant at the residence of former minister Preeti Ranjan Gharai and the IT raid at the house of local BJD leader Manoj Mishra.
He further alleged that Naveen Patnaik’s helicopter was deliberately delayed by three hours during the election campaign.
“While opposition leaders left the constituency during the “silent period”, BJP leaders remained in the area and continued cash distribution activities.
“Even on the day of polling, BJP members were allegedly campaigning inside the polling stations. Although BJD submitted evidence of these violations to the election authorities, no action was taken,” the senior BJD leader claimed.
Mallick said that despite all these illegal efforts of BJP, the people of Nuapada have given unwavering support to BJD. Hence, he claimed that BJD candidate Snehangini Chhuria will definitely win when the results are declared on Friday.
On the other hand, both the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress have expressed confidence over the victory of their respective candidates Jai Dholakia and Ghasiram Majhi in the recently concluded by-elections.
It is noteworthy that the counting of votes for Nuapada Assembly seat will take place on November 14 amid tight security.
–IANS
knowledge/charity