Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Wednesday voiced strong confidence in the victory of its candidate Snehangini Chhuria in the recently concluded Nuapada Assembly by-election, even as it accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of widespread Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violations and misuse of government machinery during the campaign.
Addressing a press conference in Bhubaneswar, senior BJD leader and the party’s Chief Whip in the Odisha Assembly, Pramila Mallik, described the alleged irregularities as “an assault on democracy.” She claimed that multiple complaints detailing MCC violations by BJP leaders had been lodged with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Odisha, many of which were also reported in the media.
Mallik alleged that sarees and money were distributed among voters by BJP workers during the campaign period and that BJD had submitted documentary evidence to the election authorities. She further alleged that former Minister Priti Ranjan Gharai’s residence was raided unlawfully by local police without a warrant and that the Income Tax Department raided the house of BJD leader Manoj Mishra during the same period.
The BJD leader also accused authorities of delaying Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s helicopter for three hours during his campaign in Nuapada. “While opposition leaders had left the constituency during the silence period, BJP leaders continued distributing cash and campaigning inside polling booths even on voting day,” she claimed, adding that no action was taken despite the BJD presenting evidence to the Election Commission.
Mallik asserted that despite these “illegal tactics,” the people of Nuapada have reposed their faith in the BJD, and expressed confidence that the party’s candidate, Snehangini Chhuria, will secure victory when votes are counted on November 14.
Meanwhile, both the BJP and Congress have also expressed optimism about the success of their candidates, Jay Dholakia and Ghasiram Majhi, respectively. Counting for the Nuapada bypoll will be held on Friday under tight security arrangements.
