The BJP on Monday alleged that the ruling BJD had used Government machinery to influence self-help groups (SHGs) which in turn influenced people to vote for its candidate Pratyusha Rajeswari Singh in the bypoll for the Kandhamal lok Sabha constituency.
Briefing reporters here, Odisha BJP Pravari Arun Singh said the Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs) were influencing the SHGs to organise votes in favour of the BJD. They were threatening to block their grants if votes were not cast for the BJD, he added.
Singh also alleged that the BJD violated all provisions of the model code of conduct during the election campaign in Kandhamal. “We will file a complaint with the Election Commission to look into the matter and take necessary action,” said Singh.