Bypoll: Showcause notice served to Odisha minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak

PHULBANI: District Election Officer (DEO)-cum-District Collector today issued a show cause notice to Odisha's minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak asking him to explain allegation of violation of Model Code of Conduct for the bypoll to Kandhamal Lok Sabha seat.

"A show cause notice has been served to BJD leader and Health Minister A S Nayak based on allegation made by BJP," a senior officer said.

The minister was accused of violating the Model Code of Conduct for the bypoll by saying in a public meeting that all the government employees were in favour of the ruling party, the official said.

The minister, while addressing a meeting at Kotagarh on September 29, allegedly said that the local MLA, block development officer and other government employees belonged to the ruling party. BJP district president Debendra Pradhan had lodged a complaint against the minister.

However, the minister was not immediately available for the comment.

So far, District Election Officer T N Nayak has issued a total of five show cause notices.

While the minister received one such notice, two others were served to BJD Kandhamal district president Saroaj Karna.

Karna has allegedly held meetings, two in Tikabali and one in Phulbani without availing required permission from the administration.

Two other notices have been served to separate persons, the official saids.