Patna, July 30 (IANS) As polling continued for the Bankipur Assembly by-election on Thursday, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) candidate Rekha Gupta accused Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers of violating the Model Code of Conduct by allegedly attempting to influence voters at polling stations.
After inspecting booths 359, 360 and 361, Gupta alleged that some BJP workers were present inside or around the polling stations wearing party badges and trying to influence voters.
“The BJP has hatched a conspiracy. All the polling agents have been given BJP ID cards,” Gupta alleged, while urging the election authorities to take note of the matter.
Polling for the high-profile by-election began at 7 a.m., with political parties expressing confidence about their prospects. The result will be declared after the counting of votes.
Expressing confidence in her electoral prospects, Rekha Gupta claimed that the electorate was seeking change. “The people themselves are fighting this election. We have the full support and blessings of the public, and this time we will emerge victorious,” she said.
Gupta further alleged that the government was deploying members of the Jeevika programme for political purposes.
“The government has appointed Jeevika Didis only to exercise power and authority. Whether it is a public meeting or an election, they are being used to fill seats,” she alleged.
Highlighting her priorities, the RJD candidate said that the development of Bankipur would be her foremost focus if elected.
“Our primary concern is the development of the constituency. After winning, I will work to transform Bankipur,” she said.
Earlier, Jan Suraaj Party leaders had levelled similar allegations against the BJP for influencing voters. A scuffle also took place at a polling station located at Kidwaipuri locality on Thursday.
The BJP had not immediately responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.
Election authorities are overseeing polling across the constituency under extensive security arrangements.
–IANS
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