Finally, Finance Minister Prasanna Acharya was found guilty of his controversial “no vote, no fund” remark during the Urban local Body (UlB) polls in western Odisha in October last. As their allegation was vindicated by the State Election Commission, the Opposition demanded the resignation of Acharya from his post, owning moral responsibility.
After a thorough probe including examination of the CD and the field visit, State Election Commissioner Ajit Kumar Tripathy in his findings on Tuesday held that the Finance Minister Acharya had violated the Model Code of Conduct during the UlB polls for his ‘no votes, no funds’ remark at a meeting in Bargarh.
Pulling up Acharya, the SEC cautioned him to be “extra-cautious in future” and warned that such things should not recur in future. The Minister while campaigning for the BJD at Ward no. 19 of Baragarh Municipality had said, “I am Odisha’s Finance Minister. Funds are in my hands. If you vote for Congress, I shall lock funds. I have told people everywhere, if you vote for the “hand” symbol, my treasury is locked for you.”
The speech had created much hue and cry following which opposition BJP and Congress through their respective memoranda to the SEC had demanded immediate proceeding against Acharya, besides his resignation.
SEC Tripathy while taking cognisance of the Opposition allegation had served a show cause on Acharya asking him why his speech should not be considered as the violation of poll code.
Even trying to defend his Cabinet colleague, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Damodar Rout had in counter attack accused SEC Tripathy of violating the MCC himself by issuing a show cause notice without ascertaining the fact from the concerned District Collector.
The SEC had also asked the Collector to give a report on the allegation of the controversial speech made by Acharya. Though Acharya took a week’s time, he later submitted his response that he was innocent and had not made such a statement. On the other hand, since the Opposition had submitted CDs relating to the speech, the SEC had again sought Acharya’s clarification sending a copy of the CD.
Even the SEC had last week been to Bargarh for an on the spot probe much to the criticism of the Opposition. The incident has exposed the falsehood of the BJD Ministers who have been hoodwinking the people of the State for the last 14 years, he said. Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Jayadev Jena in his reaction demanded resignation of Acharya in view of the SEC’s indictment.