BJD Demands EC Probe Into Rajya Sabha Ballot Row
Bhubaneswar, April 28: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has lodged a formal complaint with Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging irregularities in the recent Rajya Sabha elections.
According to BJD MP Dr Sasmit Patra, acting under the direction of party president Naveen Patnaik, the party has accused election officials of illegally issuing second ballot papers to MLAs Upasana Mohapatra and Purna Chandra Sethy.
The party claims this violated the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, which only permit replacement ballots under strict spoiled ballot procedures.
BJD stated that objections were raised on polling day before the Presiding Officer and Election Commission Observer, and the party has submitted video and photographic evidence to substantiate its claims.
Despite repeated complaints, the party alleges that the Election Commission has not responded. It is now demanding:
- Disclosure of steps taken,
- An independent inquiry,
- Legal scrutiny of votes cast using allegedly illegal second ballots.
The party has also sought an early meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner to present its case directly.
The controversy adds to the ongoing disputes surrounding cross‑voting and procedural lapses in Odisha’s Rajya Sabha polls.
