Bhubaneswar: A team of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) met the Chief Electoral Officer, Odisha, on Monday and demanded that the Election Commission of India (ECI) initiate proper action against the BJP leaders for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct.
The BJD submitted a memorandum to the Chief Electoral Officer, Odisha, alleging that several BJP leaders are violating the Code of Conduct by using small children in their election campaign. “While some BJP candidates are threatening government officials and ASHA volunteers of dire actions, some others are utilizing children in their election campaign,” the memorandum alleged.
The BJD leaders alleged that a few days ago, Bhubaneswar MP and BJP candidate Aparajita Sarangi used children in her rally. Similarly, Puri BJP Lok Sabha candidate Sambit Patra has violated the Code of Conduct by distributing free materials. On the other hand, Brahmapur BJP Lok Sabha nominee Prashant Jagaddev is threatening police and ASHA workers, the complaint read.
The complaint further added that the BJP Kendrapara MP candidate Baijayant ‘Jay’ Panda held a rally with children at Tikanpur retreat in Garadpur block on April 14.
“We have demanded that the Chief Election Officer take action against the BJP candidates and workers who are violating the election code of conduct,” a senior BJD leader said.
