BJP demands arrest of Deputy CM on violation of code of conduct

Jamshedpur, Aug 28 (UNI) Senior BJP leader and the Jamshedpur West MLA Saryu Rai has demanded arrest of Jharkhand Deputy Chief Minister Sudhir Mahto for violation of model code of conduct and misusing the government mechinary for electon purpose.

Mr Rai told UNI today that he faxed a letter to Electon Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner N M Kulkarni last night, complaining against Mr Mahto for holding a meeting at Jharkhand Copper Mines Union Office at Moubhandar near Ghatshila at around 8 PM, four hours after the campaigning ended.

He also used the government car during his visit.

Mr Rai said he got report from reliable sources that Mr Mahto was having Rs one lakh in cash and distributing money among the voters to garner the support in favour of JMM candidate Suman Mahto for tomorrow's Jamshedpur Lok Sabha bypoll.

He said a copy of the letter was also sent to the Election Commissioner in Delhi.

Mr Rai also wrote a detail report of yesterday's incident to the poll observer deputed here for the byelection.

Mr Rai said the incident was a vivid example of the hollowness of the UPA govenment's claim of holding a free and fair poll.

He alleged that the Deputy CM himself was involved in corrupt practices.

He said since the campaigning was over Mr Mahto should be sent out of the constituency as per the guidelines of the EC.

Meanwhile, the district admininstration had also lodged a case of violation of model code of conduct against BJP leader and former Chief Minister Arjun Munda and the former Assembly Speaker Inder Singh Namdhari.

The two leaders were campaigning at Chakulia last evening even after campaigning time was over.

The administration disallowed Mr Munda and Mr Namdhari to address a meeting for BJP candidate Dinesh Sarangi.

Altogether a record of 29 cases of violation of model code of conduct were registered till date against the party candidates, leaders.

The Election Commissioner also served a showcause notice to Chief Minister Madhu Koda for violating the model code of conduct during the filing of nomination paper of JMM candidate Suman Mahto, the sources said.

UNI