Janata Parivar, Congress meets EC on distribution of sarees, dress material by BJP

NEW DELHI: A delegation of Janata Parivar and Congress today met the Election Commission and demanded action against BJP over alleged distribution of sarees and other dress materials by the party to woo voters of Bihar ahead of the State Assembly polls.

The delegation, comprising JD(U), RJD, NCP, Congress and RLD members, was led by JD(U) Chief Sharad Yadav, who described the alleged distribution of the items as "naked bribery", which if not stopped would "compromise" with the "democratic values" of the country.

Talking to reporters, Yadav claimed that traders from Surat were distributing sarees and other materials with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's image on them to the voters of Bihar.

After meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Nasim Zaidi, Yadav said they have produced evidence in this regard to the CEC.

"We have requested the Election Commission that if this bribery was not stopped, the democratic values would be seriously compromised," he said.

Yadav also displayed a bag with dress materials with Modi's image, saying they will raise the issue in Parliament and among the voters in the streets.

"The Election Commission has assured they will not only look into the source of funds but also examine the complaints submitted to them in order to ensure the electoral process remains transparent, it remains above board and remains valid," Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala.