Odisha BJP terms ZP election rule amendment ‘illegal’

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Mar 10:

Targeting Naveen-led BJD government in Odisha over amendment to the Zilla Parishad election rules, the state unit of BJP termed it ‘illegal’ and ‘unconstitutional’.

The government’s decision to amend Zilla Parishad Election Rules is illegal and unconstitutional, said senior BJP leader Biswabhusan Harichandan.

“The government has violated the law and constitution by making the amendment to Zilla Parishad election rules when the election process is underway”, he said.

He threatened to go to the court if the government does not revoke the decision.

Addressing a press conference here, he said that the whip issued by BJD to the elected Zilla Parishad members of the party is a threat.

The BJD in its reaction said that the government has amended the rules to ensure poll transparency.

“The amendment has been made to curb the party switching and horse trading during the election”, said BJD spokesperson Amar Prasad Satpathy.

Meanwhile, BJP Zilla Parishad member from Surdargarh district Sukhlal Munda moved Orissa High Court challenging the amendment, informed Union Minister Jual Oram.