Odisha election: MLA candidate served notice for poll code violation

Cuttack: The District Election Officer today issued a notice to Barabati-Cuttack MLA candidate Debashish Samantaray over violation of the Model Code of Conduct.

As per the notice, Samantaray, who is also the sitting MLA from the constituency, had posted a “message” on Facebook on April 22 during the 48-hour silence period for the third phase elections.

The message is likely to influence voters and yield electoral benefit as it appears to be violation of Model Code of Conduct, the notice read.

Samantaray has been asked by the Election Officer to explain within 48 hours as to why the message will not be treated as violation under section 126 of Representation of the People Act.