The incumbent BJD has filed a complaint with the Chief Election Officer (CEO), Odisha, citing a poll code breach by Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who on Sunday campaigned in Jharsuguda for BJP candidate Tankadhara Tripathy.
The regional party alleged that Dharmendra violated the model code of conduct by retweeting and posting on his official Twitter handle a campaign poster with G20 and Logo of 75 Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav logos. “It has been clearly mentioned that such publicity material, which could influence voters, should not be used,” the BJD stated.
In addition to claiming that the Odisha BJP has been consistently breaking the model code of conduct, which is influencing this election, the party urged harsh action be taken against the Union Minister. “Jharsuguda polls should be free and fair, and the Election Commission must take all necessary precautions to ensure that the Odisha BJP does not repeat similar infractions, a pattern which was also seen in prior by-elections in the state,” it continued.
In addition, the regional party claims that on May 5 near Mundhra Bastralaya within Jharsuguda police limits, Tripathy and his supporters threatened and harassed BJD employees. The BJD accused the BJP of continuing electoral violence and claimed that they use such tactics out of a fear of losing the election.
This happened after the ruling BJD was accused by the BJP of misusing government resources and workers during the campaign for the May 10 by-election for the Jharsuguda Assembly.
Prasanta Patnaik