Keonjhar: The Congress has filed a complaint against the Forest Department, the government of Odisha for violating the model code of conduct (MCC). The complaint has been lodged with the election officer in this district and the magistrate, party officials informed here Tuesday. According to the complaint, a district-wide cultural programme was organised by the Forest Department Sunday at the Police Kalyan Mandap here. A huge gathering was present at the event. All the range officers and assistant conservators along with their families attended the event.
Various cultural programmes were organised followed by a sumptuous meal. However, the Congress alleged that organising such a programme with government funds is a violation of the model code of conduct. “Through this event, an effort has been made by the state government to influence all those present. Also, government vehicles were used even though the programme was held on a holiday. This is also a violation of the MCC. Therefore, we demand appropriate action against the persons who organised the event and the officer concerned,” said Dilip Kumar Sahu, chairman, the district media cell of the Congress in this district. Sahu added that complaint letters to this effect have been sent to the concerned authorities.