Opposition demands action against Odisha minister for "offering bribe" to voters
Bhubaneswar, Mar 14 (UNI): Opposition BJP and the Congress today demanded that the Election Commission not let Odisha health minister Pratap Jena from contesting the election amid allegations of offering bribe to voters to ensure the victory of a BJD candidate in clear violation of the Model Code of Conduct.
BJP Odisha unit vice-president Sameer Mohanty told reporters here that Mr Jena, at a public meeting, has announced to provide Rs 35 lakh to a panchayat and Rs 15 lakh to a booth which would give maximum votes to the BJD candidate in Salipur Assembly constituency.
The BJP, led by Mohanty today, submitted a memorandum to the chief electoral officer urging him to initiate action against the minister for violating the model code of conduct.
The Cuttack district BJP president also filed an FIR against Jena at Salepur police station.
Mohanty said since open offering of bribe by a minister after the model code of conduct came into force is a cognizable offence, the Election Commission should take cognizance of it and take stern action against the minister and prevent him from filing nomination.
The BJP leader said the minister had asked the media persons repeatedly to switch of their mobile and camera in the meeting and thereby violated the fundamental rights of the media as well as the common people.
Congress media cell chairman Satya Prakash Nayak also dubbed the open offering of bribe by the minister to the voters as an offence and violation of the MCC.
He demanded that the Election Commission initiate strong action against the BJD minister.
Naik urged the Election Commission not allow Jena to contest the election and asked the BJD not to field him as a candidate in the election.
Image credit: UNI
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