BJD Seeks Proactive Steps to Ensure Free and Fair Elections in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: A delegation of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Tuesday moved the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Odisha seeking proactive steps to prevent any instances of violence and ensure a free and fair electoral process in the State.

The BJD has expressed its deep concern over the probable threats to the free and fair election by opposition parties in Odisha.

In a letter to the CEO, the delegation said that there has been instances of poll violence during past elections and bye elections in Odisha by opposition parties. Instances of booth capturing, voter intimidation and physical violence have also been reported in several constituencies across the state. Despite repeated assurances by the Election Commission and law enforcement agencies, such incidents continue to take place in the State, the BJD said.

“The BJD under the able leadership of Naveen Patnaik has set a benchmark for the rest of the world in contesting elections through in all fairness and non-violence. Our party believes in supremacy of Constitution and respects the constitutional processes like election which is a basic structure of the Constitution”, the letter reads.

The BJD delegation urged the CEO to take strict action against the opposition parties and its leaders/workers who have been involved in such unlawful activities.

The Election Commission must take proactive steps to prevent any instances of violence and ensure a free and fair electoral process which is necessary for democracy, the BJD further stated.