Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik on Monday alleged serious violations during the 48-hour silence period in the November 11 Nuapada Assembly by-election in Odisha.

“The hallmark of a true democracy lies in the conduct of free and fair elections. However, it has come to our notice that in #Nuapada, serious violations are taking place during the legally mandated silence period — 48 hours before polling,” the former Chief Minister said in a post on X. ADVERTISEMENT

As per the Election Commission of India’s guidelines, political leaders and campaigners from outside the constituency are required to leave the area once the silence period begins, he said.

“Contrary to this, we have reliable information that leaders and workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from

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