The Election Commission’s much-hyped promise to conduct free and fair election was a farce in the Sundergarh Assembly constituency as the ruling BJD and the Congress openly flouted election norms, BJP Sundergarh Committee alleged on Sunday.
“The BJD and the Congress had put up the publicity hoardings in Government buildings and premises. Despite several complaints, the District Election Officer did not take any action,” BJP Press release alleged. It further alleged that Presiding Officers had begun voting in the absence of polling agents in many polling booths. Similarly, Congress and BJD workers forced the voters to cast votes in favour of their respective candidates. Besides, the Presiding Officers were seen sealing EVMs while voters were queuing to cast votes in some booth campuses, BJP leaders alleged. The release also alleged that the administration disappointingly cancelled a joint-party scheduled to be held on Friday at 11 am to thrash out the issues. “We urge upon the people to raise voice against the unethical practices and ask the EC to hold re-elections in the disturbed booths,” the party leaders said.