BJD moves EC against Sambit Patra regarding poll code violation 

Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Saturday lodged a formal complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer against Sambit Patra, the BJP’s candidate for the Puri Lok Sabha seat, citing violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

In a meticulously drafted document, the BJD accused Patra and his campaign entourage of engaging in the distribution of clocks embellished with the BJP insignia, the Lotus symbol, and even featuring Patra’s personal photograph to local shopkeepers in Puri. This overt gesture is perceived as an underhanded maneuver to sway voters and is deemed a flagrant transgression of the Election Commission of India (ECI)’s regulations.

The BJD has vehemently criticized these actions, urging the ECI to promptly and firmly address the matter. They have further demanded that the expenses incurred in procuring and disseminating these clocks be included in Patra’s election expenditure.

Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, the BJD has implored the ECI to swiftly and decisively reprimand Patra and his campaign team. They underscored the necessity of conveying a resolute message that such malpractices will not be tolerated. Additionally, the party has beseeched the ECI to intensively monitor the electoral processes within the Puri parliamentary constituency to thwart any future attempts at influencing voters through unfair means.

Expressing unwavering faith in the ECI’s ability to uphold the sanctity of the electoral process, the BJD members have expressed their confidence that the necessary measures will be taken to ensure that the forthcoming elections are conducted in a manner that is transparent, impartial, and in accordance with democratic principles.