As many as 71 candidates from different political parties are in fray for polls to the 25-year-old Pattamundai NAC. Here polls would take place in 19 wards out of 20 as for the ward no-13, which is reserved for Scheduled Tribe (woman), no body filed nomination papers.
Several aspirant candidates allegedly engaged some school going children, who do not know what election is, in their campaigning rallies, while they were coming to file nomination papers to the NAC office at Pattamundai. The kids participated in the rally by holding party flags, banners, wearing headbands with party logos and giving slogans in favour of the candidates of their wards. The school going children were between 10-14 years of age.
According to intellectual masses, it is purely unfortunate that candidates are engaging small children in election related works. It should not be encouraged, they said, demanding that the district administration should take steps for restricting such act.
When contacted, election officer-cum-tehsildar of Pattamundai Pabitra Mohan Das stated that he was aware of the fact and would soon take action against the guilty after a probe into the case.
Kendrapada Collector Niranjan Nayak stated that nobody has lodged any allegation pertaining to the assimilation of kids in nomination rallies. He assured that on getting a complaint, he would conduct an enquiry and take necessary action.