INDIA
The BJP’s move came two days after the Delhi High Court sought the stand of the Election Commission on a plea alleging delay in issuing of notification for a bye-election in Bijepur assembly constituency.
A day after requesting the Election Commission to block Congress’ ‘Hand’ symbol on grounds that it is a body part and violated model code, a high-level BJP delegation again met the Commission on Tuesday seeking fair bye-election in Bijepur, Odisha.
The BJP delegation led by Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan along with Bhupendra Yadav, Arun Singh and Sambit Patra alleged that ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) was using the state machinery and has announced schemes in excess of Rs 1,250 crore without budgetary provisions during the past two months to further its poll prospects.
“Sensing imminent bypolls, the Gangadhar Meher Lift Canal system and the Parvati Giri Mega Lift irrigation project with the stated intention to benefit the rain-fed and drought prone areas of Bijepur were announced a month after the death of the sitting MLA Subal Sahu,” BJP said in its complaint.
It also accused administrative offices of Collector and SP of Baragarh and BDO of Bijepur indulging in partisan activities to help the incumbent government.
The BJP’s move came two days after the Delhi High Court sought the stand of the Election Commission on a plea alleging delay in issuing of notification for a bye-election in Bijepur assembly constituency.
The BJD has accused the BJP-led Central government of influencing the Election Commission to delay the bypoll to the advantage of the saffron party. The BJP, however, has denied the accusation.