Bhubaneswar: The Opposition BJD and Congress have dismissed the BJP’s massive victory in the Nuapada by-election, claiming it was driven by money and misuse of government machinery.
Senior BJD leader Debi Prasad Mishra alleged that the BJP’s win was facilitated by the misuse of government resources, apathy of Election Commission observers, and the influence of the ‘triple-engine government’. He questioned the unusual spike in polling on November 11, hinting at possible vote rigging. “Voter turnout exceeding 91% at 41 booths and over 83% at 50 polling booths suggests manipulation that needs investigation,” Mishra said.
BJD vice president Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak had earlier pointed out that voter turnout stood at 75% till 5 PM on polling day, which later increased to 83.5%, raising doubts.
Congress candidate Ghasiram Majhi blamed his defeat on massive money distribution in the constituency. “Personality has no role; money does the trick in elections. Voters were sold off,” he alleged. Majhi expressed dissatisfaction over lack of support from Congress central leadership, stating they neither campaigned nor provided financial assistance.
