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Odisha Election Drama: BJD Files Complaint Against Minister, BJP Candidate

The BJD has filed a formal complaint against Odisha's School and Mass Education Minister. They allege he violated election rules by campaigning for a BJP candidate at an educational institution. The party claims the event was disguised as a community gathering but had clear political motives. Election officials have promised to investigate the matter thoroughly.

Key Points: BJD Complains Against Odisha Minister Gond for MCC Violation

  • BJD alleges Minister Gond campaigned for BJP candidate at educational institution
  • Event organized under Gond Samaj banner had political content
  • Complaint names Minister, BJP candidate and government-aided institution
  • BJD demands enquiry and strict action against all involved
2 min read

BJD lodges complaint against Odisha Minister, BJP candidate over Model Code of Conduct violation

BJD lodges formal complaint alleging Odisha Minister Nityananda Gond and BJP candidate Jay Dholakia violated Model Code of Conduct during Nuapada bypolls campaign event.

"Though the meeting was reportedly organised under the banner of the Gond Samaj, its content and purpose were overtly political - Lenin Mohanty"

Bhubaneswar, Oct 21

The main Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Tuesday lodged a formal complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Odisha against School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond, and others alleging violation of the Model Code of Conduct in the ensuing Nuapada bypolls.

The party has also mentioned the BJP's Nuapada bye-election candidate Jay Dholakia, and the authority of an educational institution in Nuapada district in their complaint.

Briefing the media after meeting the CEO, senior BJD leader Lenin Mohanty said that Minister Gond had visited an educational institution in Nuapada and participated in a programme organised under the banner of Gond Samaj on October 20, where he allegedly made political commitments and campaign-related remarks.

The party in its complaint alleged that during this event, Gond actively campaigned for Dholakia.

"Though the meeting was reportedly organised under the banner of the Gond Samaj, its content and purpose were overtly political, aimed at influencing voters in favour of the BJP candidate," he said.

The senior BJD leader called this a clear violation of the Model Code of Conduct by the state minister.

"As per the Election Commission's rules, no educational institution can be used for political purposes once the election process begins. Despite the Model Code of Conduct being in force, the Minister attended the event and made promises, which is a clear violation of election guidelines," Mohanty said.

He added that the BJD delegation has demanded a detailed enquiry and strict action against all those involved, including the Minister, the BJP candidate, and the concerned institution.

"The complaint specifically names School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond, BJP candidate Jay Dholakia, and the educational institution where the event took place, which is reportedly government-aided," Mohanty informed.

According to BJD sources, the CEO has assured the delegation that an enquiry will be conducted and appropriate action will be taken as per election norms.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Both parties do this during elections. BJD is complaining now but they've done similar things when in power. The whole system needs cleaning up.
A
Arjun K
If the minister indeed used a government-aided educational institution for campaigning, it's a serious violation. Students and educational spaces should be kept away from politics. Hope the CEO takes immediate action.
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Sarah B
As someone who follows Odisha politics closely, I must say this is quite concerning. The timing and nature of the event clearly suggest it was politically motivated. The EC should investigate thoroughly.
V
Vikram M
Why are politicians always finding loopholes? If it was under Gond Samaj banner, it should have been purely cultural. Mixing community events with politics shows disrespect to both the community and electoral process.
M
Michael C
While I agree MCC violations should be taken seriously, I hope this isn't just political mudslinging. Let's wait for the official investigation results before jumping to conclusions.

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