Will the BJD's Snehangini Chhuria Triumph in the Nuapada Bypoll?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- BJD's Snehangini Chhuria is confident of winning the Nuapada bypoll.
- Allegations against BJP include Model Code of Conduct violations.
- Vote counting is set for November 14.
- Both BJP and Congress claim their candidates will win.
- Evidence of BJP's alleged misconduct has been submitted to election authorities.
Bhubaneshwar, Nov 12 (NationPress) The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) expressed strong optimism that its candidate, Snehangini Chhuria, will claim victory in the recently held Nuapada Assembly by-election, despite allegations of violating the Model Code of Conduct aimed at influencing the election and misusing government resources by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
During a press conference in Bhubaneswar, a party representative described the alleged misconduct by the ruling party as a direct attack on democracy.
Senior BJD official and chief whip in the Odisha assembly, Pramila Mallik, mentioned that numerous instances of the BJP's violations of the Model Code were reported to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Odisha, with many also highlighted in the media.
She noted that the BJD had provided substantial evidence to electoral authorities regarding the distribution of sarees and cash to voters by the BJP during the campaign.
Mallik also brought attention to the unlawful raid at former Minister Priti Ranjan Gharai's home by local police, allegedly conducted without a search warrant, along with an IT raid at the residence of local BJD leader Manoj Mishra.
Additionally, she alleged that Naveen Patnaik’s helicopter was intentionally delayed for three hours during the campaigning period.
“While opposition leaders vacated the constituency during the silence period, BJP leaders allegedly remained and continued cash distribution activities. On polling day, BJP members were reportedly campaigning inside polling booths. Despite the BJD submitting evidence of these violations to election officials, no actions were taken,” claimed the senior BJD official.
Mallik concluded that despite the BJP's illegal tactics, the citizens of Nuapada have shown steadfast support for the BJD. Therefore, she firmly believes that BJD candidate Snehangini Chhuria will secure a win when the results are announced on Friday.
Conversely, both the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress have expressed confidence in the success of their candidates, Jay Dholakia and Ghasiram Majhi, in the recent bypoll.
It is noteworthy that vote counting for the Nuapada Assembly Constituency is scheduled for November 14, under strict security measures.