The BJP has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) against Ashish Kumar Singh, an IPS officer of the 2004 batch, currently serving as IG (CM security). The party alleges that Singh has been actively involved in monitoring and strategizing the election campaign for the BJD, which constitutes a violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
According to the BJP’s memorandum to the Chief Election Commissioner, Singh, despite being transferred from his previous position, has continued his alleged activities with increased boldness. Instead of operating from his designated office within the Chief Minister’s residence, Singh is accused of occupying an office on the sixth floor of the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) office, conveniently situated near the Chief Minister’s residence. The party claims that from this location, Singh utilizes his position as ‘CM’s Man’ to influence police officers in the field.
The BJP further asserts that Singh had previously been removed from a position for supporting the electoral interests of the Odisha government and displaying clear ideological alignment with the BJD.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the lack of action taken by the ECI regarding the complaint lodged by the BJP Odisha unit on May 2nd, the party has demanded immediate suspension or reassignment of Singh to a non-election duty role in another state until the conclusion of the election process.
