EC to slap showcause notice on BJD, BJP

Bhubaneswar, April 16:

The Election Commission has decided to issue showcause notices to BJP and ruling BJD for alleged violation of model code of conduct by publishing advertisements in various newspapers after the campaigning phase for the second phase polls in Odisha got over on Tuesday.

“Showcause notices will be issued to the general secretaries of BJP and BJD for violation of poll code which is in force for the second phase elections in the state. We will seek replies from both the parties for violating the section 126 (B) of Representation of People’s Act,” deputy chief electoral officer Hariballav Mishra said.

Interestingly, the ruling party had moved the EC against the BJP accusing it of violating the model code of conduct by publishing advertisements after the campaign process ended for the first phase polls.

“Since the EC did not take any action against the BJP even after our complaint, we published the advertisements this time so that the BJP may not take similar advantage in the second phase,” said BJD general secretary Narendra Swain, who is in charge of party advertisements and election affairs.

While admitting that it’s a violation of the poll code he said the party will submit its reply to the EC after getting the showcause notice.