The BJP and the BJD continued to trade charges over the seizure of Rs 40.50 lakh in Bargarh with senior leaders of both the parties accusing each other of trying to entice voters with money ahead of the by-poll to the Bijepur Assembly constituency.
“I challenge the Bargarh SP to hand over the case to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Income Tax Department within half an hour. The truth will come out,” said Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan at a Press meet on Monday.
Pradhan further said, “As it is being said that the cash belongs to BJP and Viswa Hindu Parishad, BJD leader Prasanna Acharya can be also be charged in connection with the cash seizure because he was initially associated with RSS and VHP. All including the Chief Minister are aware about the fact that half a dozen BJD members were members of the RSS in the past.”
In reaction to the Union Minister’s allegations, Acharya asked the BJP to stop making such statements. “If they point a finger at my character, it will boomerang on them,” said Acharya, adding that BJD believes in free and fair elections but the party at the Centre is involved in such activities. The BJD condemns such act by BJP.
“We have drawn attention of the Election Commission in this connection. The Commission can hand over the case to Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax department for investigation,” he added.
The BJD had earlier alleged that the arrested persons in the incident are activists of VHP and Bajarang Dal.
However, on Monday, the police again seized Rs 10 lakh from the side-box of a motorcycle in Bargarh during a routine checking. But later SP Jay Narayan Pankaj said after verification it was found that it was the money of a petrol pump and it was being taken to be deposited in the bank and wasn’t illegal.