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Stop all developmental works, SEC directs BMC

BHUBANESWAR: The State Election Commission (SEC) has asked the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) to stop all developmental works till the election process for the corporation is over. The directive came close on the heels of Pradip Kumar Jena, an election observer, submitting a report on alleged violation of poll code of conduct.

The SEC pointed out that some new works were being taken up in the name of repair and maintenance. Those who were executing the works were supporters of some candidates contesting the election, the election commission said.

State Election Commissioner Sanjeev Hota asked the BMC authorities to seek prior permission if there were any urgent works to be done.

Reacting to the SEC order, the BMC has suspended all developmental works by 10 days. “The works we had taken up were all ongoing projects. No new work orders have been issued. If SEC wants BMC should halt work, we would certainly go by the direction,” BMC Commissioner Aparajita Sarangi said here on Wednesday. BMC is going to polls on December 2 for its 60 wards.

Meanwhile, the expenditure observers had a tough time to monitor each candidate and their supporters who were spending ‘freely’ for the election. Since slum dwellers hold the key in the election, community feasts are thrown everyday. Interestingly, food items meant for feast in a temple in Nayapalli area were seized by an observer as it was construed as violation of poll code and the cook was detained.

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