The ruling BJD today lodged a case of violation of model code of conduct against BJP leader and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for allegedly announcing to ensure an investment of about Rs 20,000 crore to create employment.
A group of BJD members led by MLA Debashis Samantray submitted a memorandum to the State Election Commission.
According to the complaint, Pradhan attended the annual function of Dhenkanal (Government) Autonomous College Students' Union on January 15 where he announced to ensure investment of about Rs 20,000 crore in Dhenkanal district, which would provide employment for youths.
Pradhan, a star campaigner for BJP in the Panchayat polls, not only attended the event while the model code of conduct (MCC) was in effect, but also announced regarding signing of agreements worth Rs 20,000 crore to establish a thermal power plant and aluminium plant at Dhenkanal, BJD alleged.
"The announcements and poll promises to woo voters in favour of BJP are in gross violation of the model code of conduct," said Samantray.
The opposition BJP also lodged a complaint against the BJD of misusing government machinery in favour of the ruling party candidates in the three-tier panchayat elections, polling for which starts from February 13.
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