Ahead of the November 11 by-election in Odisha’s Nuapada, Opposition BJD Sunday urged the chief electoral officer (CEO) to take urgent steps to ensure free and fair polling, alleging infiltration of “outsiders” and misuse of money and muscle power.

BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty said the party had called for sealing the borders of the Nuapada constituency amid “credible reports” of illegal influx of people from neighbouring Chhattisgarh, allegedly supported by BJP leaders and workers.

“These outsiders intend to enter Nuapada to influence voters through coercion and financial inducements,” Mohanty told reporters.

In its memorandum to the CEO, the BJD alleged that some people from Chhattisgarh had already entered the constituency and were working with local BJP leaders to sway the elector

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