Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Jan: 2:

Odisha’s ruling BJD today moved the State Election Commission (SEC) against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for violating Model Code of Conduct which is in force for the three-tier panchayat elections in the state.

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The BJD has objected to featuring of Prime Minister Modi’s picture in advertisements in newspapers pertaining to provision of subsidized rice under NFSA. The party has claimed since dates for holding of the panchayat elections in the state have been announced it has been done to influence voters. Further, the party has objected to publication of advertisements on Ujjwala and Swacch Bharat Aviyaan despite strictures and announcement of packages for farmers and self-help groups.

BJD vice-president Surjya Narayan Patro today led a party delegation to the SEC and submitted a petition alleging that the advertisement of PM’s announcement was opposed to the Model Code of Conduct in force since December 27.

“Yesterday a newspaper carried an advertisement of the Central government on rice supplied to Odisha under National Food Security Act which had Modi’s picture in it. This violates Model Code of Conduct. Similarly, yesterday Prime Minister announced assistance of Rs 6000 for expectant mothers, loan waiver for farmers and packages for women self-help groups. This too is gross violation of the Model Code of Conduct. We have lodged a complaint in this regard with the SEC,” informed Patro to reporters.

On the other hand, the BJP has claimed that the Prime Minister has no way violated the Model Code of Conduct.

“The advertisement and announcements by Modi were intended for the entire country. This doesn’t amount to the violation of Model Code of Conduct,” said BJP’s parliamentary party leader in the state Assembly Kanak Vardhan Singhdeo rejecting BJD’s allegation.