BJD urges ECI to take action against Odisha min for MCC violation

The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Tuesday alleged violation of model code conduct by a Cabinet minister and sought the intervention of Election Commission and Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Odisha for free and fair election of the Nuapada by-election.

Nityanand Gond, Minister of School and Mass Education, ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare addressed a political meeting within the premises of Gopinath GNM Nursing Training College, Nuapada, on Monday.

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During this event, Gond actively campaigned for Jay Dholkia, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate for the bye- election. Though the meeting was reportedly organized under the banner of the Gond Samaj, its content and purpose was overtly political, aimed at influencing voters in favor of the BJP candidate, BJD in a memorandum addressed to CEO alleged.

Such actions by a sitting Minister not only erodes public confidence in the fairness of the electoral process but also sets a dangerous precedent for the misuse of educational institutions and public office.

The use of educational institutions, whether government or private, for political meetings, propaganda, or campaigning is strictly prohibited as the Model Code of Conduct is enforced by the ECI. This restriction exists to preserve the neutrality of educational spaces and to ensure that students, staff, and academic premises remain free from political influence or coercion.

Furthermore, as a Minister in the Government of Odisha, Gond is expected to maintain the highest standards of public conduct and refrain from misusing his official position or state resources for electoral advantage, stated the memorandum.

By conducting and participating in a political meeting within an educational institution, Gond has flagrantly violated the provisions of the MCC. He has abused his position as a Minister, undermined the neutrality of his office, and attempted to influence a vulnerable section of the electorate comprising students and educational staff.

Such conduct has also created an uneven playing field in the ongoing bye-election for the Nuapada Assembly Constituency.

BJD urged the ECI to take immediate cognizance of this violation and initiate an inquiry into the incident and issue appropriate directions for strict action against Gond as per the MCC guidelines.

Necessary measures must be taken to prevent the misuse of educational institutions or other government properties for political activities during the ongoing election period, thereby ensuring a fair and impartial electoral environment, the memorandum concluded.