Bhubaneswar: With the nearing of polling date for the Bijepur by-election, the ruling BJD and Opposition BJP are increasingly trading allegations against each other.
Both the political parties, who are trying their best to grab the lone MLA seat, Friday leveled allegations of violation of election norms against each other and both submitted separate memorandum to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Surendra Kumar, citing their respective versions of the alleged violations.
The ruling BJD has alleged that the BJP is making objectionable remarks against the ruling party during its campaigning, which is a violation of the Model of Conduct (MCC). The party demanded legal action against the BJP.
On the other hand, the saffron party has alleged that BJD leader and minister Snehangini Churia has used the government vehicle for electioneering. Stating it as a gross violation of the MCC, the BJP demanded action against Churia.
Meanwhile, the BJP has released the list of its star campaigners for the by-poll. The party has named 40 leaders, including BJP chief Amit Shah and several Union ministers as its star campaigners. One omission in the list is Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh, whose name the party has dropped from the said list.
The decision for not involving Chhattisgarh CM for campaigning for the by-poll was taken in view of the ongoing Mahanadi water dispute between Orissa and Chhattisgarh in which the Supreme Court has ordered the Centre for formation of a Tribunal.
PNN
