By Our Political Affairs Bureau
BHUBANESWAR/NEW DELHI/BARGARH: Odisha’s political atmosphere was on Tuesday waked up more with the notification for Bijepur Assembly seat By-Poll issued by the Election Commission. With the issuance of the notification, filing of nominations began from Tuesday and will continue till February 6.While scrutiny of nomination papers will be done on February 7, candidates can withdraw their nominations by February 9.
BJD fielded former Congress MLA late Subal Sahu’s wife Rita Sahu while BJP announced former MLA Ashok Panigrahi as its candidate for the by-poll. The Congress is yet to name its party candidate for the by-poll
Meanwhile, a BJP delegation led by Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan met the Election Commission of India in New Delhi and requested the ECI to ensure a free and fair by-election in the Bijepur Assembly constituency in Bargarh district scheduled on February 24.The delegation which also consisted of Bhupendra Yadav and party national spokesperson Sambit Patra alleged that the ruling BJD is misusing the official machinery in Bijepur.
Speaking to media persons, Patra alleged that the offices of the Bargarh district Collector and SP have been turned into BJD offices. The SP and the SDPO instead of controlling the law and order situation are promoting goondaraj. Besides, funds meant for developmental purposes are being diverted by the BDOs to be used for elections. All this is being supervised by an officer of the CMO’s office, he further alleged.
