Cong urges EC for free, fair by-poll

BARGARH:Former Union Minister Srikant Jena has urged the Election Commission (EC) to ensure free and fair poll and clamp down on open distribution of black money to influence voters by BJD and BJP.
Addressing the media here on Thursday, Jena said ignoring the major issues of farming, repeated droughts, plight of weavers and denial of minimum support price in Bijepur, Barpali and Gaiselet blocks, the BJD and the BJP are trying to woo voters and win the by-poll.

Alleging that `5,000 to `7,000 was being handed out to each voter after the high voltage campaign, Jena said Congress respects the institution of EC and requests it to ensure a free and fair election.“Is it justified for BJD and BJP to spend such huge amount of money in electioneering when farmers are debt-ridden and exposed to exploitation, youths have no employment opportunities, health services and education are poor and weavers do not have market to sell their products?” Jena questioned and added that there is no instance of a Chief Minister campaigning in by-election in the history of the country.  Urging voters to use conscience while exercising their franchise and not get swayed by black money, he also warned of presence of fake notes that are being distributed and said it will land voters in trouble.Former OPCC chief Jayadev Jena and Kishore Patel were present.

Tight Security arrangements in Bargarh

Bargarh: With Bijepur going to polls on Saturday, a tight security net has been thrown around the district. Security personnel have laid siege to Bijepur Assembly segment, especially in polling booths.  While polling parties have already reached their respective booths, Electronic Voting Machines and other accessories have been kept under the supervision of Padampur Sub-Collector and Returning Officer Tapiram Majhi.  Out of 281 polling booths, 155 have been declared as sensitive. Of the 155, proceedings of polling will be videographed in 20 booths while webcasting arrangements have been made in another 20 counters. Besides, 40 micro-observers will also be deployed in these 40 booths. Interestingly, the number of sensitive booths was 75 last time.  On the other hand, students will appear for the High School Certificate Examination at 21 centres in Bijepur Assembly segment from Friday. Of the total 21 examination centres, polling booths have been set up in seven.