BJD Moves Poll Panel Accusing BJP Of Using Children During Election Campaign

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is accused of using children during the election campaign in Khordha, and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) filed a complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Odisha on Tuesday.

“We’ve learned that, on Sunday, during a BJP rally at the Jatani Block Chowk under the Jatani Assembly seat, which is a part of the Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha constituency, 15 to 20 children were observed attending the event. This is a violation of both the Election Commission’s guidelines and children’s rights,” the BJD said in its complaint.

The party also claimed that the BJP nominee for the Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha seat, Aparajita Sarangi, Assembly candidate from Jatani, Biswa Ranjan Badajena, and Chilika MLA Prasanta Jagadeb were present at the rally along with other BJP workers. The party also enclosed photos and videos in support of its claim.

According to the BJD, it is unethical to utilize children in poll campaigns because it is inappropriate to do so when the temperature is above 42 degrees Celsius.

“Therefore, we implore the state election panel to act swiftly against the implicated BJP leaders for abusing minors at the Khordha rally.” In its complaint, the BJP stated, “We hope the Election Commission upholds the integrity of the electoral process and ensures that such incidents are not repeated.”