Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Jan 3:

Odisha unit of BJP and ruling Biju Janata Dal today once again moved State Election Commission (SEC) accusing each other of violation of model code of conduct – in force for the upcoming panchayat polls.

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According to reports, BJP today accused BJD of using state government machinery and releasing new hoardings of Niramaya and Aahar scheme among others.

“BJD is trying everything it can to influence the polls on its favour. Government is issuing new hoarding under Niramaya and Aahar scheme that features the Chief Minister’s pictures. Opposition parties are yet to receive the voter lists in many places and have been asked to wait until January 5. Government officers are meeting the Chief Minister for reasons beyond official business,” said Odisha BJP Vice President Samir Mohanty.

BJD, on the other hand, argued that no new hoardings have been issued.

“Aahar is a two-year-old scheme that has benefited thousands. All the hoardings were issued back then. Neither have we issued any new hoarding nor have we promoted them in any newspaper or television advertisement. We have always respected the model code of conduct,” said BJD Spokesperson Rabi Narayan Nanda.

The party also took objections to usage of picture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the advertisements issued for Atal Jyoti Yojana.

“It is BJP that is violating the poll codes time and again even after we approached the SEC. They continue to issue various advertisements in newspapers including the Atal Jyoti Yojana. We have raised our objection to the SEC and have sought early action,” he added.

It had earlier taken objection to the usage of Prime Minister’s picture in NFSA advertisements, advertisements issued under Ujjwala scheme, Swachh Bharat scheme, a strike by BJP MLA Rabi Nayak, and announcement of packages for farmers and self-help groups.

On its favour, the SEC has asked the concerned authorities to take Ujjwala and Swachh Bharat advertisements off air.

It may be mentioned here that earlier BJP also moved SEC requesting it to ask Child Development Project Officers (CDPO) and their subordinates against undertaking field tours.

Besides, it had also taken objection to distribution of State Government’s Aaina propaganda booklets at fair price shops and wanted a stay on it. It had further 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.