Minister caught on tape trying to bribe voters in Rajasthan

A video has emerged showing a woman trying to return money to Rajasthan Minister Shanti Dhariwal, triggering a row with PM Modi alleging at an election rally Tuesday the cash was meant to buy votes.

Two video clips purportedly showing a woman trying to return some money to Rajasthan Minister Shanti Dhariwal have sparked a row, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleging at an election rally Tuesday that the cash was meant to buy votes. In one of the clips, the woman is heard saying Rs 25,000 was given to them by "bhaiya," at which an aide of the minister interjected her, asking why she was raising the matter at this time.

Modi's Allegations

At an election rally in Kota on Tuesday, Modi referred to the video and said, "The tainted minister does another act that the entire nation has been watching since yesterday. Tempting a mother with money, he attempted to buy their vote. I'd like to applaud her for not only rejecting the money but also giving a sharp reply to the tainted minister and his entourage," the prime minister said.

Woman's Clarification

Later, another video of the woman emerged on social media on Tuesday noon in which she was heard clarifying that the money was not meant for votes. "The money was meant to purchase idols for a temple... They gave us Rs 25,000 while Rs 25,000 more was needed. The money was not given for votes," she is heard saying in the latest video.

Ongoing Investigation

The incident has triggered a political slugfest in Rajasthan, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress trading barbs over the issue. The Congress has accused the BJP of trying to tarnish the image of its leaders, while the BJP has demanded a thorough investigation into the matter. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken cognizance of the matter and has sought a report from the state's chief electoral officer.

The controversy surrounding the video clips has raised questions about the role of money in politics and the extent to which it can influence voters. The ECI's investigation into the matter is expected to shed more light on the incident and its implications for the upcoming assembly elections in Rajasthan.