Biju Janata Dal (BJD) wrote to the state's Chief Electoral Officer on Monday demanding an "impartial and immediate action" to be taken against Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for 'misbehaving' with government officials on election duty.
In the letter, BJD spokesperson Sulata Deo expressed displeasure over the arrest of a BJD candidate from Pipili Assembly constituency today for obstructing flying squad officials on election duty.
"It is unfortunate that a State Minister is arrested for obstructing flying squad on election duty from discharging their duties, while Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is allowed to go scot-free and no action is taken against him," she stated in the letter.
She also demanded an immediate and strict action against Pradhan, asserting that "failing which the people of Odisha will have grave questions in their hearts about the impartiality and neutrality of the Chief Electoral Officer and the Election Commission."
BJD had, on April 18, made a similar request to the state CEO in this regard.
"Yesterday as telecasted by several television channels, it was seen that BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan misbehaved and prevented government officers from checking his helicopter and a sealed suitcase, which was being done as part of normal election duty checking," the letter had stated.
It also demanded that the contents of the sealed suitcase in Pradhan's possession be shown to the public.
The first two phases of voting were held on April 11 and 18. The remaining two phases will be held on April 23 and 29.
Results will be announced on May 23.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
