Bhubaneswar: A political rift ahead of Panchayat polls is raising its ugly head between the leaders of Bharatiya Janata Party and ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) who have met state election commission (SEC) separately over violation of model code of conduct.
Annoyed by BJD’s petition to SEC against advertisements featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi and packages announced for farmers and self-help groups, a delegation of saffron party met SEC Tuesday alleging violation of code of conduct by the ruling party in the state.
BJP leaders accused BJD of using state government machinery and installing new hoardings of Niramaya and Aahar scheme with the CM’s mug shot on it.
“The ruling party has been adopting all possible tactics to influence the voters,” said BJP state unit vice-president Samir Mohanty, adding, “Government has been installing new hoardings under Niramaya and Aahar scheme with the Chief Minister’s photo. This is breach of code of conduct.”
The BJP alleged Opposition parties in the state were yet to receive new voters’ list in several areas and were told to wait till January 5.
BJP leaders have raised objection to the alleged meeting of government officials with the Chief Minister at Naveen Niwas.
A BJD delegation headed by former minister Rabi Narayan Nanda also met SEC third time, Tuesday, and alleged breach of model code of conduct by the saffron party.
“The advertisements on Atal Jyoti Yojana published in newspapers are flouting code of conduct,” the BJD delegation informed SEC.
“This is the third time that BJD has come up with such a complaint. In spite of our repeated complaints, these advertisements continue to be published or telecast in print and electronic media though the model code of conduct imposed by the SEC is in force,” the ruling party’s memo read.
Meanwhile, the BJP and BJD have countered each other’s charges. While the BJP leaders said the advertisements were released across India, not just for Orissa, the ruling party in Orissa argued that the hoardings on Aahar and Niramaya had been erected long ago.
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