Bhubaneswar: The Governing Biju Janata Dal (BJD) today moved to Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) to protect grassroot level ASHA, Anganwadi, and Mission Shakti workers from the alleged threatening by BJP leaders and candidates.
A delegation of BJD including Rajya Sabha members Sasmit Patra and Sulata Deo submitted a memorandum to the CEO Nikunja Bihari Dhal here.
The workers are being targeted with threats of job loss and other consequences if they do not comply with these demands. This is a clear violation of their rights and an attempt to manipulate the electoral process through fear and intimidation, the BJD said in its memorandum.
It is alarming that these workers, who play a crucial role in healthcare, child development, and women’s empowerment, are being subjected to such pressure tactics, it said.
They are doing so to create a fear psychosis among the grassroot women of Odisha so that they can illegally influence them to do the Odisha BJP’s bidding in this election or face consequences, alleged the BJD leaders.
This is a gross violation of the Model Code of Conduct and shows the uncouth behavior and lack of respect and dignity in the Odisha BJP towards the women and especially the grassroots women of Odisha.
“We urge the Election Commission of India to take immediate and stringent action against the BJP leaders and candidates responsible for these threats. They must be held accountable for their actions and appropriate action taken to ensure the safety and security of ASHA, Anganwadi, and Mission Shakti workers,” the BJD said in its memorandum.
The party also demanded strong action against the Odisha BIP leaders and candidates who are doing such massive dishonor and disrespect of the grassroot women of Odisha.
The CEO was requested to ensure that the BJP leaders refrain from undertaking this systematic targeting, vilification and uncouth behavior towards the grassroots women as they have been doing in this election.
“We also request the Election Commission to provide protection to these workers and ensure that they can perform their duties without fear or interference. The respect and dignity of these workers must be upheld, and they should not be used as pawns in political games,” the BJD said.
Further, the BJD urged the Election Commission to take immediate and stringent action against the BJP leaders and candidates responsible for these threats and uphold the principles of free and fair elections.
