‘Big parties using religious places for campaign, feast’

--Candidates complain CP to take it seriously

BHUBANESWAR: Representatives of various political parties while attending a discussion with Twin City Commissioner of Police Dr RP Sharma on Thursday alleged that big parties were using religious places for campaign by arranging feasts to appease voters. The parties demanded strict vigil in these areas to stop distribution of money and arrangement of feats.

During the interaction with the candidates of different political parties along with independents, the Commissionerate Police made them aware about technical details of model code of conduct imposed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for the ensuing polls. The candidates also asked different questions regarding rules and regulations of the poll code.

A candidate of the CPI (ML) Liberation party for Bhubaneswar North Assembly constituency Mahendra Parida brought allegation against a few political parties for fixing banners and posters in Government owned areas in the city. He along with other candidates demanded the Commissionerate Police to open the single window system for disposal of applications regarding permission for campaign, public meeting, possessions, use of vehicles and sound system during electioneering.

Regarding use of religious places by candidates of different political parties, Dr Sharma directed the ACPs and IICs of the respective police stations to keep eye on these places and to take action against the violators of poll code.