BJP accuses Nuapada Congress candidate of concealing criminal cases

Bhubaneswar: As the campaigning for the Nuapada bypoll intensifies, political tempers flared on Tuesday with the BJP accusing Congress candidate Ghasiram Majhi of concealing two pending criminal cases in his nomination papers in violation of the model code of conduct (MCC), a charge the opposition party denied.Meanwhile, BJD alleged that minister Nityanand Gond and several BJP members held a political meeting inside an educational institute, breaching poll norms. BJP rejected the allegation, asserting no violation of the poll code.In a memorandum addressed to the chief electoral officer (CEO) R S Gopalan, BJP alleged a false affidavit submitted by Congress candidate Majhi and accused him of not revealing a case pending in Nuapada police station and another in the sub-divisional magistrate court, Nuapada.

BJP sought the cancellation of his candidature.In response, Congress legislature party leader Rama Chandra Kadam said the BJP is conspiring against Majhi as they fear facing him in the election. “There is no violation by the Congress candidate,” Kadam said, adding the BJP is frustrated with Majhi’s acceptability among people and his imminent victory.BJD, in a memorandum submitted to the CEO, alleged that BJP members, led by Gond, attended a political meeting inside Gopinath GNM Nursing Training College, Nuapada, on Monday. BJD cited that as per the MCC enforced by the

Election Commission

, the use of educational institutes, whether govt or private, for political meetings, propaganda or campaigning is strictly prohibited. BJD demanded an inquiry and action and measures to prevent further misuse of educational institutes or other govt properties for political activities during the ongoing election period.Responding to BJD’s allegation, state BJP media in-charge Sujit Das stated that no BJP member violated the MCC during the byelection campaign.