New Delhi: A delegation of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Friday submitted a memorandum to the Election Commission of India (ECI) seeking release of funds under KALIA scheme for farmers and also alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has conspired to deprive farmers of the benefits.
The BJD stated in the memorandum that until now more than 37 lakh farmers, sharecroppers and landless agricultural households have already benefitted from this programme in the first two phases since its inception. However, funds could not be disbursed to 14.93 lakh small and medium farmers and 10.41 lakh landless agricultural households as the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) stopped it following a complaint by BJP March 13 alleging violation of model code of conduct (MCC).
The BJD further stated that the list of potential beneficiaries were identified and displayed before the MCC came into force and urged the ECI to accord approval for verification process for additional 25.34 lakh beneficiaries.
Speaking to the media after submitting the memorandum, BJD leader and Puri MP Pinaki Mishra said that disbursement of funds under KALIA scheme was stopped due to the pressure mounted on the state CEO by the BJP.
He alleged that under the PM KISAN scheme, fresh beneficiaries are being added and funds were disbursed even after the MCC came into force, but the BJP conspired to stop disbursement of funds to the farmers of Odisha under KALIA scheme.
The BJD leader further said that the delegation also complained about the violation of MCC by the BJP.
“The model code of conduct has been violated several times by the Petroleum Ministry. Hoardings of the Central schemes are being displayed in the state. We have complained regarding this to the CEO but no action has been taken,” said Mishra.
BJD spokesperson Sasmit Patra said the ECI has assured that they would look into the matter and take certain action accordingly.