New Delhi: Governing Biju Janata Dal has registered a complaint with the Election Commission of India alleging that Union Minister Bisheswar Tudu violated the model code of conduct while campaigning for the BJP candidate in the Dhamnagar assembly bye-poll and demanded exemplary action against him.
The Delegation of Regional Party also submitted a memorandum to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Odisha and the Election Commission of India office in the national capital accusing Mr.Tudu, the Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti, of violating the model code of conduct (MCC).
The BJD delegations also submitted a video clip to the poll panel offices, alleging that Tudu had given assurance to the people of Dhamnagar that his Ministry would undertake works to protect Dhamnagar from flood fury.
“Union Minister Mr.Tudu made certain assurances that the Centre would undertake developmental works related to Jal Shakti Ministry in the constituency while talking to reporters during campaigning for BJP’s candidate,” BJD Leader Rajya Sabha Sasmit Patra said, adding that such “promises are gross violation” of the model code of conduct (MCC).
Dr.Patra, along with his party leader Amar Patnaik, submitted a memorandum at the Election Commission office in the national capital against Tudu.
Mr.Patnaik said, “If the minister was so serious about the development of Dhamnagar then works related to his ministry should have been started by now, but he intentionally chose to make assurances about the developmental works while election is due. This is a clear case of violation of poll panel’s rules and the commission should take exemplary action against him.”
The BJD said the MCC prohibits any form of promise and assurance about undertaking government works by a public representative while the poll code is in force.
Similar charges were made by the BJD delegation while submitting complaint to the chief electoral officer’s office in the state.
“The Union Minister has violated the MCC. He has promised that he would hold discussion with them and send a Central Water Commission team to Dhamnagar,” BJD leader and former MP Pradeep Majhi told reporters.
“If action is not taken against Mr.Tudu, it will set a very bad precedence for the voters of Dhamnagar and for democracy,” the BJD memorandum said.
The Dhamnagar assembly constituency has been witnessing high-voltage campaigning by leaders of the BJD, Congress, BJP and Independent candidates.
A number of Ministers and Lawmakers were engaged in campaigning for BJD candidate Abanti Das in the bye-poll.
Two Union Ministers, Dharmendra Pradhan and Bisheswar Tudu, campaigned for BJP candidate Suryabanshi Suraj for the second consecutive day on Saturday.
