NCP accuses BJP of breaching code of conduct

Mumbai: The Nationalist Congress Party has levelled serious allegations on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over breach of code of conduct in Bhandara-Gondia Lok Sabha byelection. Party produced documents in the relation of deposit of state government’s aid to farmers during the code of conduct period. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) said that the aid should have given six months back but government purposely delayed to lure voters ahead of election. Party has lodged complaint to Election Commission.  

State government’s officers has started depositing money to the farmers whose Dhan (rice) crop was affected by natural calamities six months back. As the money is started depositing in the farmers account just in middle of code of conduct, NCP raised an objection. “Our MLAs and local leaders have agitated for the compensation six months back. State government prolonged the compensation. Now BJP has realised that it will lose byelection, suddenly farmers are getting money. This is illegal as per EC rule,” said Mr Malik.

Mr Malik produced a letter by district collector Gondia to district’s deputy registrar to start depositing money to farmers. “We are not against giving compensation to the farmers. But it is inhuman to make them wait for six months and now give them their rightful money on the face of election.” said Mr Malik.

NCP leaders went to EC and complained about the distribution of money. Bhandara-Gondia will vote in byelection on Monday 28. The BJP has given candidature to Hemant Patale whereas Congress and NCP alliance has fielded Madhukar Kukade.