Bhubaneswar: The Odisha unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is using under-aged children in the election campaign in Khorda violating the rights of children and the Election Commission’s guidelines, alleged the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Monday.
A delegation of the BJD moved the Chief Electoral Officer and Election Commission of Odisha seeking action against the saffron party.
“It has come to our notice that in a rally conducted by BJP at Jatani Block chowk, under Jatani assembly and Bhubaneswar parliament constituency at about 5 PM on 7th April 2024, about fifteen/twenty children were seen participating in rally, which is a violation of the rights of children and the Election Commission’s guidelines”, the BJD said.
Significantly, BJP Bhubaneswar MP candidate Aparajita Sarangi, BJP Jatani Assembly Candidate Biswa Ranjan Badajena. BJP leader and Chilika MLA Prasanta Jagadeb were present in this rally along with other BJP workers, the BJD alleged.
The BJD further said that the use of children in election campaigns is not only unethical but also against the principles of a free and fair election. Children are vulnerable and should not be exploited for political gains. Their involvement in such activities can have a negative impact on their well- being and development. Moreover, involving the children in election rally, particularly when the temperature is hovering over 42 degrees Celsius, is really dangerous and inhuman approach, it added.
The BJD has urged the Election Commission of Odisha to take immediate action against the concerned BJP leaders for using children in their election campaign in Khorda.