Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Dec 30:

Days after model code of conduct was enforced by Odisha State Election Commission (SEC) for the panchayat polls, both Biju Janata Dal and BJP have moved SEC alleging violation of the code of conduct by the other.

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Ruling BJD took objection to an ongoing strike by BJP MLA Rabi Nayak. Besides, it alleged that the Union Government's advertisement pertaining to Ujjwala scheme and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in local television channels violated the model code of conduct in force for the three-tire polls scheduled to begin from February 13.

"Central Government’s advertisements on Swachh Bharat and Ujjwala scheme in local television channels appear to be in violation of model code of conduct issued by SEC. Besides, the ongoing strike by BJP MLA also seems to violate the guidilines. We have briefed the SEC on these issues,” said BJD Vice President Surya Narayan Patro.

MLA Nayak, meanwhile, stated that he has been on strike even before the code of conduct was enforced.

Replying to the advertisement allegations, Odisha BJP Vice President Samir Mohanty dissociated his party from the advertisements and advised the State Government to approach the Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP) instead.

On the other hand, BJP alleged that the Child Development Project Officers (CDPO) and their subordinates are campaigning for the ruling party and requested SEC to advise them against undertaking field tours.

Further, the saffron party took objection to distribution of State Government’s Aaina propaganda booklets at fair price shops and wanted a stay on it. It also alleged that the ruling party MPs and MLAs continue to issue work orders at back dates to influence poll outcomes and requested SEC to take away necessary documents.