Bhubaneswar: The State Election Commissioner Aditya Prasad Padhi today directed Bolangir Collector to ensure that no willing person is obstructed/dissuaded from filing nomination for the post of Sarpanch of Bileisarada gram panchayat, informed R N Sahu, Secretary State Election Commission.
Padhi’s order came in the backdrop of an allegation of an auction for the post of Sarpanch at Bileisarda gram panchayat for Rs 44.1 lakh.
Padhi issued this direction at a review meeting with all the district collectors through video-conferencing.
Earlier, Padhi had asked the district administration to submit a factual report on the matter.ADM Mahendra Mohapatra and Puintala BDO had submitted a report to the Collector which was forwarded to the State Election Commissioner.
Reportedly, Susant Chatria, a small-time contractor had won the bid by promising to pay Rs 44.1 lakh for the development of a Jagannath temple in Puintala block.
The State Election Commissioner reviewed removal of hoardings, banners, posters etc. from Government buildings and public places through video conferencing with all District Collectors today.
He also ordered disengagement of GRS of Purusottampur gram panchayat under Chandabali block in Bhadrak district and directed Collector Bhadrak to issue show-cause notice to the Panchayat Executive Officer(PEO) for allowing misuse of Government Office on the complaint filed by BJP.
