Chhattisgarh CM Baghel Demands Checking Of CRPF Jawans' Bags, Mounts 'Illegal Poll Cash' Charge Against BJP
CM Bhupesh Baghel said vehicles and luggage of paramilitary forces should be checked as he feared the BJP was bringing in cash through them to induce voters.
New Delhi: Flagging concerns of electoral malpractice, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Thursday requested the Election Commission (EC) to ensure proper checking of the vehicles and luggage of the paramilitary forces deployed in the state, saying that he feared that the BJP was bringing in cash through them to induce voters ahead of the Assembly elections, news agency PTI reported.
Speaking to reporters in the Police Lines in Raipur, the Chhattisgarh CM claimed that the BJP could go to any lengths to wrest power.
“Enforcement Directorate’s senior officers have been visiting Chhattisgarh, but their vehicles are not checked as they are government officials. Common travellers are being checked. We are checked while travelling by helicopters and vehicles. CPRF brought big boxes in a plane but they were not checked. The ED can come for its investigation, but I want to tell the Election Commission that the vehicles of the central investigative agency should be checked,” PTI quoted CM Baghel as telling reporters on Thursday.
“BJP has accepted its defeat (in the polls) and this is their last move that they are bringing money in boxes which will be used to influence the voters. Therefore, all vehicles should be checked, especially those of the ED and the CRPF,” the CM added.
Elections to the 90-member Chhattisgarh Assembly will be held in two phases — November 7 and 17.
Frowning on the additional security deployment in the state, CM Baghel questioned what was the need to bring in additional central forces when the CRPF have already been posted in the state in adequate numbers.
“It (the additional deployment of central forces) means the boxes, which are being brought, may contain notes (cash) or other items too. So, these should be checked,” the Congress leader added.
On whether the central forces could be misused, PTI quoted Baghel as saying, “It is absolutely possible. They can go to any level to gain power...This is a very serious issue and the Election Commission should take its cognisance. However, a complaint will be lodged by our party.”
Additional central forces arrived in the state by a special flight on Wednesday, the agency reported.
The airport authorities let their vehicles through without checking as they were on government duty, PTI quoted the CM as alleging further.
“When CCTV cameras have been installed everywhere and everyone is being checked, then why are they not being checked? Wherever they are going, their vehicles should be checked,” CM Baghel added.
Polling in the first phase will be held under heavy security cover in the Naxal-infested Bastar division and Rajnandgaon, Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki, Kabirdham and Khairagarh- Chhuikhadan-Gandai districts.
Polling for the remaining 70 segments will be held in the second phase.
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