Visit of BJP’s central leaders in the name of ‘Paridarshan’ is violation of election code of conduct: JMM

Ranchi: The ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha has raised strong objections over the visits of BJP leaders to the state despite the model code of conduct being into effect in wake of Panchayat Polls.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday party leader Binod Kumar Pandey said that the model code of conduct has come into force in the state regarding Panchayat elections. Despite this, the Union Ministers of BJP are visiting the state district-wise under the program named ‘Paridarshan’ and were reviewing the plans with the officials which is a direct violation of the election code of conduct. Pandey further said that three Union ministers of BJP are visiting Jharkhand.

In these, Union Fisheries Minister Purushottam Rupala is attending the program organized in Gumla on 13 and 14 April. During this, he is also reviewing the government schemes by the district officials, which is a complete violation of the election code of conduct. Similarly, Union Minister Annapurna Devi is going to visit Giridih and Dumka on April 17 and 18. At the same time, Union Minister of State for External Affairs Rajkumar Ranjan Singh is also going to visit the state from April 19 to 21.

He said that the party has decided that on the coming Saturday, party leaders will complain to the Election Commission and demand action. Party spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya who was also present said that under BJP Panchayati Raj system or Gram Sabha is being attacked directly. He said that work is being done to break the section of the Constitution in non- BJP ruled states. He raised the question, of whether the BJP wants to maintain the Constitution in the country or not.

He said, when the model code of conduct is in force, the district-wise visit of Union ministers is a direct violation of it. Supriyo said that in the past, IAS, and IPS officers have been directed to direct control of the center for central deputation. In such a situation, pressure has already been made on the officials and now the Union Minister is visiting the districts of Jharkhand during the implementation of the election code of conduct, this is not correct from anywhere.

Earlier, BJP ministers had not visited the state their visit at the time of the Panchayat elections clearly shows that they are scared that the BJP has gone down from the hearts of the people.