Team Herald
NEW DELHI: The Congress on Thursday demanded a thorough probe into an attempt made by a top aide of Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani to buy out Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) leader Hardik Patel who came out in open only a day earlier to back the party in the assembly elections.
Congress spokesman Abhishek Manu Singhvi told a Press conference here that Hardik has made a specific allegation of bribery in the run-up to the elections. He quoted Hardik stating at his Ahmedabad press conference on Wednesday: “I am not bikau (on sale). Otherwise I could have accepted the offer of Rs 1,200 crore from K Kailashnathan when I was in jail.”’ Kailashnathan is the chief Principal Secretary of the chief minister.
In its desperation to avoid an impending defeat, Singhvi said the BJP is deploying all “illegal and amoral means” to coerce or buy political opponents. “We demand an FIR against BJP president Amit Shah, CM Rupani and Gujarat BJP chief Jitu Vaghani for allegedly indulging in electoral malpractices.”
Singhvi said, “Earlier also, another PASS leader Narendra Patel produced evidence of the BJP’s attempt to buy him and a formal complaint had been registered. Nothing happened in that case. Patel produced cash at a press conference, saying that he was promised 60% as advance and 40% of the sum after joining the BJP.”
Recalling the Rajya Sabha elections in July, Singhvi said: “The BJP had blatantly used money and state power to lure 14 Congress MLAs. Three MLAs — Punabhai Gamit, Mangalbhai Gamit, and Ishwarbhai Patel — had exposed the dirty tricks. They said a serving SP, NK Amin, was used for the purpose. Crores of rupees were offered to MLAs to change sides. Any investigation? Has the Election Commission taken note?”
He wondered whether the agencies like Income Tax department, CBI and Enforcement Directorate ever wondered where from this money is coming. “The Income Tax Department, which was otherwise hyper active during the Gujarat Rajya Sabha polls and raided the Bengaluru resort, has never cared to take any action against the Gujarat BJP leaders.”
Singhvi also challenged Prime Minister Modi to explain to the nation the meaning and spirit of his lofty claim – na khaoonga, naa khane dunga. “Did that mean selectively targeting rivals and protecting all the illegal activities of the BJP and own Government,” he asked.
