Bhubaneswar, May 10: In a bid to secure votes for the ongoing Lok Sabha and Assembly Polls in Odisha, several leaders and their frontline campaigners are seen invoking Gods and seeking promise from floating voters.
A group of voters of Odagaon in Nayagarh district were seen taking vows in the premises of Dutikeswar Mahadev Temple for winning of the candidate of a regional political party.
A similar oath taking ceremony was held by the political outfit at Maa Bhaliagarh Temple in Rangeilunda block under Gopalpur Assembly constituency of Ganjam district.
Jatni MLA Suresh Kumar Routray had sought promise from voters by touching the Prasad (offerings) Somanath Mahadev to vote for his son Manmath Routray, who is contesting for Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha seat on BJD ticket. The incident went voral on social media drawing flak from people across the state.
Political parties are seeking promise of disgruntled leaders, ticket denied aspirants and floating office bearers by invoking Gods. It is a new trend in Odisha, said political onlookers.
Earlier, it was seen in panchayat elections. However, veteran leaders like Suresh Kumar Routray are playing the same card in Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. It is really a matter of concern, said political observer Prashant Dash.
