Argus News - BJP Accuses BJD of MCC Breach at Naveen Patnaik’s Nuapada Rally, Files Complaint

Bhubaneswar, Nov 6: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday accused the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) of violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during a recent election rally addressed by former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, held in the lead-up to the November 11 Nuapada bypoll.

Senior BJP leader Golak Mohapatra alleged that the BJD used minor children in party attire to welcome Patnaik, which he termed a blatant violation of both the MCC and child protection laws.

According to the BJP, the incident occurred in Taraboda village under Komna block, where children were seen waving party flags, wearing BJD-branded clothing, and chanting slogans. Visuals of the event have surfaced on social and mainstream media, prompting the BJP to take the matter to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Odisha.

Also Read: Nuapada Bypoll: Chhattisgarh CM Targets Naveen Patnaik Over Odia Language Skills

A BJP delegation led by Golak Mohapatra met the CEO and submitted a formal complaint along with video and photographic evidence. The party demanded immediate and appropriate action against those responsible for involving children in political campaigning.

“This is not just a violation of the Model Code of Conduct but also a serious breach of child protection laws,” said Mohapatra. “It is unfortunate that after ruling the state for 25 years, the BJD is now relying on children to salvage its political fortunes.”

The delegation included BJP state spokesperson Dilip Mallik, Legal Cell convenor Jayanta Jena, and National Mahila Morcha social media coordinator Sujata Padhi, among others.

BJP leaders emphasized that elections must be free, fair, and impartial to uphold the democratic fabric of the nation. They criticized the opposition party for allegedly resorting to undemocratic practices out of fear of electoral defeat.