Bhubaneswar: The Governing Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has moved to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar alleging violation of model code of conduct (MCC) by Chattisgarh Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan.
The BJD has alleged that Shri Harichandan violated the MCC by illegally influencing voters in person and telephonically, to support his son Prithiviraj, who is contesting as Chilika MLA candidate (from BJP) in this election.
The BJD has mailed a complaint petition to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar and submitted a copy to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Odisha here.
The Chattisgarh Governor, during his stay in Bhubaneswar from April 30 to May 4, 2024, had engaged in indirect campaigning for his son Prithviraj, alleged BJD MP and national Spokesperson Sasmit Patra.
During his stay, he directly called up opinion leaders, political leaders and important persons of the Chilika assembly constituency telephonically and requested them to support his son Prithviraj’s candidature in this election, he alleged.
“He invited several eminent intellectuals and opinion makers of Chilika to his residence from time to time and held consultations with them, with a view to garner electoral support for his son Prithviraj in this election,” the party said in its petition to the CEC.
The Governor’s act is a “gross violation” of the model code of conduct and doesn’t “behove” the high Constitutional position he holds, the party said.
The ruling party requested the CEC to conduct an enquiry into these violations done by the Governor
“He be suitably cautioned and told to refrain from coming to Odisha till the completion of the elections here, more so since his son is contesting as a BJP MLA candidate from Chilika,” the BJD told the CEC.
