Ahead of the crucial November 11 by-election in Odisha’s Nuapada, a series of accusations regarding electoral malpractice has intensified between the major parties – the ruling BJP and opposition BJD.
The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD), in a memorandum submitted to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) on Sunday, sought urgent intervention to ensure free and fair polling, alleging infiltration of “outsiders” and misuse of money and muscle power.
BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty alleged the “illegal influx” of “outsiders” from neighbouring Chhattisgarh, claiming these individuals, allegedly supported by the BJP, intend to influence voters through “coercion and financial inducements.”
The regional party demanded the sealing of constituency borders and accused some Chhattisgarh entrants of already working with local BJP leaders using “coercive and unethical means.”
Furthermore, the BJD raised concerns over the alleged misuse of technology, flagging the creation and circulation of morphed videos and fake news enabled by Artificial Intelligence (AI), which they claim is part of an attempt by the BJP’s IT cell to defame party president Naveen Patnaik and candidate Snehangini Chhuria.
“Despite repeated complaints, no action has been taken by district authorities, who have reportedly demonstrated partisanship,” the BJD said in the petition to the CEO.
The opposition party also sought the immediate removal of unauthorised BJP banners and campaign materials that continue to violate the Model Code of Conduct on government property.
The BJD, in another petition, complained about the delayed arrival of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) at Nuapada, raising doubts about transparency and fair conduct. The party has also accused partisan behaviour of district authorities, including the Collector and SP, who they accuse of favouring the BJP, thereby endangering the sanctity of the election, it said.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), meanwhile, filed a counter-complaint with the Additional Superintendent of Police (Cyber Crime), accusing the BJD of misusing AI to “insult Odisha’s tribal Chief Minister” Mohan Charan Majhi by altering his photos and videos and circulating them on social media.
“The BJD has used AI to alter photos and videos of the chief minister and circulated them on social media,” BJP spokesperson Satyabrat Panda said, adding that a case had been registered at the cyber police station.
On Saturday, the saffron party also submitted a petition before the CEO alleging that the opposition BJD posted AI generated picture of party president Manmohan Samal and an elected MLA.
BJP spokesperson Satyabrat Panda said a complaint has been submitted to the cyber ASP at the commissionerate headquarters by the BJP delegation regarding the alleged misuse of artificial intelligence by the BJD.
Panda said the Cyber ASP had assured that strict and exemplary action would be taken against those responsible under the Cyber Act.
