Congres using "money power" to win Amravati civic polls: BJP

NEW DELHI: In the wake of seizure of Rs one crore reportedly meant for Congress candidates in Amravati civic elections, BJP today hit out at the rival party for allegedly using "money power" to win the polls, especially in an Assembly constituency represented by President Pratibha Patil's son Raosaheb Shekhawat.

"The seizure of Rs one crore in Amravati for the local bodies elections there is yet another example of how the Congress tries to win elections on the strength of money power.

Local elections are on in Maharashtra and the Congress has given in writing that the money was meant for its candidates.

BJP will file a complaint on this matter with the State Election Commission," BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar said.

Two men were arrested with Rs one crore and have reportedly confessed that it was meant for the Congress poll expenditure.

Adding grist to the mill is the fact that Patil's son Rajendra Shekhawat, popularly known as Raosaheb Shekhawat, is an MLA from Amravati.

BJP maintained that no poll panel has granted permission for expenditure of so much cash in any election.

"The Congress has said Rs one lakh each was meant for 87 Congress candidates and the remaining Rs 13 lakh for the Congress.

But not more than Rs 20,000 can be carried for a candidate.

The matter should be thoroughly investigated. The Income Tax department should also investigate the source of the money," Javadekar said, adding that the party condemns the incident.

The opposition also alleged that it is normal practice for Congress to use muscle and money power in polls.

According to reports, Shekhawat was initially not aware that Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee was sending such a huge amount for the local party unit.

He has maintained that the manner in which this money is spent has to be accounted for to the Congress leadership.

However, questions have been raised about why the money was being brought in at an odd hour and why Shekhawat had not been told about it.