Odisha FM violated code of conduct in ULB Polls: SEC

The Odisha State Election Commission (SEC) today confirmed that Finance Minister Prasanna Acharya had violated the model code of conduct during campaigning for the Urban Local Body elections, but let him off with a caution.
"The Commission has realised after examining reports from different sources including Bargarh District Collector that Acharya violated the model code of conduct during the urban body polls in western Odisha," Tripathy told reporters here.
"He has been cautioned not to do this in future," Tripathy said.
Asked for his reaction, Acharya, the BJD Vice-President said, "I have not said anything after the allegation was made against me. He (Tripathy) holds a constitutional post. Therefore, it will not be proper to comment."

The SEC's ruling came a day after he met Governor S C Jamir, who had summoned him following allegations by Congress that the Commission was playing a partisan role while dealing with cases of poll code violations by BJD leaders.
The OPCC in a memorandum to the Governor had demanded immediate removal of the SEC for favouring the ruling party.
Acharya during election campaign at Bargarh during the recent ULB poll campaign had threatened to stop flow of funds for development if people voted for Congress.