Odisha polls: Show-cause notice slapped on BJP’s Sambit Patra

Puri: Trouble seems to be mounting for BJP’s Puri Lok Sabha candidate Sambit Patra as a show-cause notice has been served on him for allegedly violating the model code of conduct during his rally in the Pilgrim City.

The District Election Officer, Puri has issued the show-cause notice to Patra this evening, saying “even permission was not granted to hold the rally in the city”.

This came hours after both the Congress and BJD attacked the BJP leader for holding an idol of Lord Jagannath idol during his rally from Bhubaneswar to Puri. A six-member team of the State unit of Congress had petitioned Chief Electoral Officer Surendra Kumar, alleging Patra had violated the model code of conduct.

Also Read: Jagannath idol issue: Cong alleges poll code violation by Sambit Patra

The BJD has also accused Patra and BJP of politics over religion and exploiting the sentiments of people. “When elections approach, they bring up Ram Mandir issue. They do politics over religion. We won’t allow them to exploit people’s sentiments,” BJD leader Subhas Singh said.

Besides, a complaint was also lodged against Patra with Singhadwar police station in this regard.

In reply, Patra said: “I was holding a gift (idol of Lord Jagannath) from one of my supporters during the rally.”

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