Munda sceptical about free and fair by-election

Jamshedpur, Aug 12 (UNI) Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda today expressed doubts about holding of free and fair by-election for Jamshedpur Lok Sabha seat, slated to be held on August 29.

Talking to newspersons here this evening, Mr Munda alleged that the Madhu Koda government was already using the government machinery in favour of the UPA-supported Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) candidate Suman Mahto and the Chief Minister also violated the model code of conduct during the filing of nomination papers by Mrs Mahto on August 10 here.

Mr Munda said the BJP had lodged complaints with the Election Commission against Mr Koda and the UPA candidate Suman Mahto.

He also alleged that Mr Koda had announced development policy and introduction of new industrial policy to lure the voters during his Jamshedpur visit, which, he said, was a 'gross violation' of Model Code of Conduct.

Coming down heavily on the Congress, Mr Munda said the party was ruling in a colonial way and the UPA governments both at the Centre and the state were the example of this colonial system.

He also held the Congress responsible for the naxlaite movement in the country.

About the presence of Babulal Marnadi's Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (JVM) in the poll fray, Mr Munda said the JVM was acting as the 'middle man' of Congress.

When it was pointed out that the UPA government would take action against him for his reported 'misconducts' during his regime, Mr Munda said he was ready to face any challenges and dared the Koda government to send him to jail.

Mr Munda also welcomed Rakhi Roy, who joined the BJP along with hundreds of followers, deserting the AJSU today.

Mrs Roy said she resigned from the AJSU after 18 years as she felt the AJSU was deviating from its ideology.

UNI