Odisha Elections: BJD Moves EC Again Alleging Use Of Children In BJP Campaign

Bhubaneswar: With campaigning for the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections gaining pace in Odisha, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) lodged a fresh complaint against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) accusing the saffron party of repeatedly violating the model code of conduct (MCC).

A delegation of the ruling BJD visited the office of the CEO in Bhubaneswar and submitted a petition alleging that BJP and its leaders have been indulging in blatant violation of MCC ahead of the twin polls in the state.

In its petition, the ruling BJD alleged that children were engaged in the election campaign of BJP in Kendrapada Lok Sabha constituency.

Around 20 children were seen participating in the election rally of BJP Lok Sabha candidate Baijayant Panda in Kendrapada constituency in violation of the rights of children and the guidelines laid down by the Election Commission., the BJD delegation claimed.The BJD leaders claimed that Panda and other BJP leaders were present in the rally held in Garadpur area on Sunday.

“The use of children in election campaign is not only unethical but also against the principles of a free and fair election,” they said, demanding immediate action against the BJP leaders for using children in their poll campaign.

Earlier, BJD had moved the CEO alleging that 15-20 children were found participating in a rally taken out by BJP at Jatni block chowk under Jatni Assembly segment in Bhubaneswar Parliamentary constituency on April 7.