Even as nine western Odisha districts go to polls on Friday, the state election commissioner (SEC) today slapped a show cause notice on state finance minister and BJD vice-president Prasanna Acharya asking him to explain why the statements allegedly made by him in an election campaign meeting at Bargarh will not be construed as a violation of the model code of Conduct.
"After receiving the written representations from the Congress and BJP, the district collector has been asked to submit a report on the finance minister speech", said Ajit Tripathy, SEC.
Acharya has been asked to give his reply by November 23, sources in the SEC's office said.
In a public meeting at Bargarh on November 17, the finance minister is alleged to have said that he will stop funds flow to the area if people voted for the Congress, the principal opposition party in the state. The state Congress leaders have demanded the resignation of the minister.
"The finance minister's threat to stop funds goes against the Indian constitution. He should tender his resignation immediately on moral grounds," said Jayadev Jena, President, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee.Meanwhile, elaborate security arrangements have been made in the western Odisha districts as the voters readied themselves to exercise their franchisee.
On Wednesday, the last day of campaigning, top leaders of ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Congress and BJP visited key municipal areas in support their candidates.The elections will be held for 10 municipalities and 12 NACs in Sambalpur, Sundergarh, Bargarh, Bolangir, Subarnapur, Deogarh, Jharsuguda, Kalahandi and Nuapada districts.
Both the Congress and the BJP had put up a dismal show in the first phase of civic polls held on 19 September, with the regional party winning 47 of the 66 ULBs. The State Election Commission had to postpone polls in western Odisha due to opposition from lawyers and politicians, demanding establishment of a high court bench in the region.
The Congress has fielded 259 candidates, the BJP has put up 269 nominees this time. Polls will be held for 306 wards
