Bhubaneswar: Concerned about potential irregularities ahead of the November 11 by-election in Nuapada, the Opposition BJD on Sunday urged the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) to take swift measures to ensure a fair voting process, citing fears of outsider infiltration and the misuse of power and resources. BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty stated that the party requested that the borders of the Nuapada constituency be sealed due to credible reports indicating an illegal influx of individuals from neighboring Chhattisgarh, allegedly with support from BJP leaders and workers. Mohanty informed the press that these outsiders aim to influence local voters through intimidation and financial incentives.
In its communication to the CEO, the BJD claimed that some individuals from Chhattisgarh had already entered the constituency and were collaborating with local BJP leaders to manipulate the electorate through coercive and unethical tactics. The party also highlighted the alleged fabrication and dissemination of altered videos and misinformation targeting BJD president Naveen Patnaik and party candidate Snehangini Chhuria. They asserted that such malicious actions, facilitated by Artificial Intelligence, were part of a strategy by the BJP’s IT team to tarnish the reputations of BJD leaders and mislead voters. The BJD pointed out that despite numerous complaints, district authorities have reportedly shown bias and failed to take action.
Additionally, the BJD demanded the immediate removal of unauthorized BJP banners and campaign materials that violate the Model Code of Conduct on government property. In a separate petition, the BJD raised concerns about the delayed arrival of electronic voting machines (EVMs) in Nuapada, questioning the transparency and integrity of the electoral process. The party accused district officials, including the Collector and the SP, of biased behavior in favor of the BJP, thus jeopardizing the election’s integrity. Meanwhile, the BJP countered with a complaint to the Additional Superintendent of Police (Cyber Crime), alleging that the BJD misused Artificial Intelligence to insult Odisha’s tribal Chief Minister.
BJP spokesperson Satyabrat Panda claimed that the BJD manipulated photos and videos of the Chief Minister and shared them on social media, prompting a case to be filed at the cyber police station. The BJP also submitted a petition to the CEO about the BJD allegedly posting AI-generated images of party president Manmohan Samal and an elected MLA. Panda mentioned that a complaint had been lodged with the Cyber ASP at the Commissionerate headquarters regarding the BJD’s alleged misuse of Artificial Intelligence, with assurances from the Cyber ASP for strict action under the Cyber Act.
