Updates of Odisha Panchayat Elections

Orissa Panchayat Poll and model code violations

Odisha Panchayat Polls

Odisha is going to face panchayat level elections in all of its districts. This election will be held for choosing of counsellors, Sarapanch, Zilla Parishad Seats and all. Every political party of this region is using its full strength to get success in the election.

New Rule "No use of political party symbol"

First time State Election Commission ordered not to use party symbol in this election and provided an individual symbol to each candidate. This is to control influence and direct involvement of major political parties in the election. According to this rule major political party leaders cannot share dais with the candidates while campaign for election. Many political parties welcome this move but complain that such steps will indirectly help state ruling BJD party. However they were unable to give any reason to support their statement. Though major opposition parties like congress and CPI expressed that the move of SEC was undemocratic.

Violation of Model Code in the Panchayat poll election

Prime opposition party failed to attack ruling party on the basis of development issues. Really, Odisha is progressed under Naveen Patnaik government. They targeted CM by allegations only. This kept congress party in more trouble.
Initially, the congress party lodged a complaint against Chief Minister for violation of model code in Tangi by his speech in January 24. After that SEC investigated the issues thoroughly with the support of Khurda Collector and expressed there was no violation of model code in his speech in Tangi.

Now recently, congress released its election manifesto and kept itself in trouble by directly indicating the names of Chief Minister and its thirteen ministers. After publishing of this manifesto, BJD strongly reacted on this and lodged a complaint against Congress party. After observing all SEC send a notice to congress party and asked to give a reply within 24 hours.

Violence in Panchayat Elections of Odisha

Though, SEC is trying its best to make a violence free election in the state but indirectly involvement of major political parties give fuel to violence in the election. In few places, few BJD MLAs and Ministers were attacked by Congress party workers. By doing this congress is killing its confidence in people and damaging its own reputation. Recently, at Chandanpur in Puri district of Odisha, State Panchayatiraj minister Maheswar Mohanty attacked by a congress worker. The worker came close to the minister by wearing saree and attacked his head by using a spear (In Odia 'Sabala'). The supporters of minister caught the attacker and handover to the police. After initial investigations police lodged a FIR against few local congress leaders.

Maoists affect in Panchayat Election of Odisha

Mainly in maoist affected areas, naxals threatened people to withdraw their nomination from the election and asked people to support their supported candidate only. I think this is the time Odisha people should learn from Manipur. There was a similar threaten given by terror groups not to participate in election, but courageous people of Manipur not feared and participate in the election largely. According to the repost total 82 % voting happen in the Manipur. So, Odisha should show similar response and participate in the election.

Conclusion:

I appeal all voters of Odisha, please use your right to vote, and vote the right candidates to strengthen our democracy.

Updates of Odisha Panchayat Elections - 2012