New Delhi/Kendrapara: Chief Minister and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik Tuesday sought delaying of Patkura Assembly poll scheduled May 19, citing after-effects of cyclone ‘Fani’ that will hit the state May 3.
The CM, who met Chief Election Commissioner here, also demanded removal of model code of conduct in the backdrop of the cyclone so that the administration can carry out post-cyclone rescue work effectively.
However, BJP nominee Bijoy Mohapatra said after the poll process in Patkura started, the BJD is trying to stop it. He saw a conspiracy not only against him, but against the people of Patkura too.
The BJD said the state is facing a threat of an extremely severe cyclonic storm whose path will cover Puri, undivided Cuttack, and Balasore districts. “In this backdrop the model code of conduct with regard to disaster management be completely removed for all coastal districts so that the government can handle this situation keeping the safety of our people in mind,” the party stated.
