Five-phase Odisha panchayat polls from February 13
The State Election Commission (SEC) on Tuesday announced dates for panchayat polls in Odisha. The panchayat polls, which has been…
The ruling BJD has moved the State Election Commission (SEC) alleging that the BJP, that leads the NDA government at the Centre, violated the model code of conduct imposed in wake of the three-tire panchayat polls.
The BJD alleged that the central government's advertisement in local television channels appeared to be violating the model code of conduct for the panchayat polls to start from February 13.
A delegation of BJD, headed by party vice-president S N Patro submitted a memorandum with the SEC in this regard.
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The ruling party also alleged that officials of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) are making arrangement to distribute gas cylinders in many areas in the state.
"The advertisements of 'Swachh Bharat' and 'UJALA' in local Odia TV channels appeared to be in violation of model code of conduct issued by SEC. Let the commission decide whether these advertisements influence voters," Patro told reporters.
"We have requested the Commission to look into the matter and stop broadcasting of such advertisements," Patro said.
The BJP, however, rejected the allegation and its state vice-president Samir Mohanty said, "The advertisements are done by Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP). It has a time frame. The BJD government should write to DAVP. We don't want to comment anything over the issue".
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