The BJP on Wednesday formally lodged a complaint against Private Secretary (PS) to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and senior IAS officer Kartikeyan Pandian accusing him of playing a political role and ‘managing the entire campaign’ of the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in gross violation of the model code of conduct for elections.
In a letter to Chief Electoral Officer Mona Sharma, released to the media, State BJP in-charge of legal affairs Rabi Sankar Patnaik brought serious charges against the officer alleging that he has been interfering with the election process in the State and issuing directions and orders to the administration to help the BJD propaganda machinery. The letter also alleged that the officer is using his position to influence bureaucrats including the high office of the Chief Electoral Officer.
The BJP’s letter demanded that the officer be kept under 24/7 surveillance and all his call records since the announcement of the elections be scrutinised “to probe his complicity in the above charges”. The party also asked the Election Commission to share the details of their probe with the general public.
CEO Sharma said she has received the letter of complaint, but since the BJP has forwarded the letter to the Election Commission of India (ECI) seeking action against the IAS officer, steps would be taken after the ECI responds to it and issues appropriate direction. Despite repeated attempts by The Pioneer over telephone, Pandian could not be contacted for his reaction to the charges against him.