Children show logos of a political party in Kendrapara. Telegraph picture

Kendrapara, Nov. 13: Rights activists have taken exception to the use of children in electioneering for the ongoing civic polls here.

“Poor children are made to join in election rallies, procession and public meetings. Neither have they voting rights nor do they know the complexities of politics. Parties are openly violating the child rights protection laws by using them as cheap human resources against payment,” said Binayak Swain, convenor of the Campaign Against Child Labour, a civil society group.

“We have come across instances of such unethical use of children by all parties. We will draw attention of the state labour welfare directorate in this regard,” said Swain, alleging violation of the Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986, and the Child Rights Protection Act, 2005.

Motivated by party cadres against monetary inducement, children are taking to the streets holding party placards.

“We are paid Rs 50 a day for covering the ward. With parents’ consent, I took a break from bidi-rolling. Apart from money, lunch was also provided to me. It was a thrilling experience to shout slogans as people watched us curiously,” said Rahim Beig, 14. Moreover, there are allegations about violation of model code of conduct and use of money power by the BJD.

The Congress today charged that the BJD had set a disturbing precedent as it had gone all out to buy votes. “In many wards, youth clubs were offered inducement such as TV sets and air conditioners to woo the younger section of voters,” said president of the district Congress committee Debendra Nath Sharma.

With ministers and MLAs camping here since the last one week, the government staff have been issued verbal directions to vote for the BJD. The party had orchestrated a ploy to hijack the popular mandate, said senior congress leader and former minister Bhagabat Prasad Mohanty.