BJD, Opposition fight over no mention of bypoll by Election Commission

BHUBANESWAR: An intense war of words has started between the ruling BJD and Opposition parties in Odisha as there was no mention of the Bijepur bypoll in the dates announced by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday.

The ECI had on Thursday announced dates for bypoll to three Lok Sabha and two Assembly constituencies in Rajasthan and West Bengal.

While the BJD criticised the BJP government, alleging that the EC is delaying the Bijepur bypoll due to pressure from the Centre, the BJP termed the allegations as baseless.

“The continuous delay in byelection to Bijepur constituency has raised many eyebrows. The BJP is putting pressure on the EC to delay the bypoll as it is not yet prepared and knows that they will have to bite the dust in the bypoll,” said BJD spokesperson Sasmit Patra.

Fearing defeat in Bijepur, the BJP is trying its best to delay the bypoll, alleged Mr Patra.

However, the BJP said that the party has nothing to do with the delay.

“The Election Commission will decide the dates for the bypoll at right time, we are not the authority to decide on it,” said BJP general secretary Prithviraj Harichandan.

Taking a jibe at the BJD over claims that the party is ready for the bypoll, Mr Harichandan said holding back elections to Bijepur will help those who are not ready.

“The BJD leaders have been claiming that they are all prepared for the byelection. In such case, the party should not be worried about the delay,” he added.

The Congress lashed out at both the BJD and the BJP over the incessant delay in the Bijepur bypoll.