The Mussoorie MLA of the BJP, Ganesh Joshi submitted his reply to the returning office in the case of alleged violation of the model code of conduct. The Bharatiya Janata Party state media in charge Devendra Bhasin informed that Joshi had responded on Saturday to the explanation sought from him following the complaint lodged by the Congress accusing him of violating the election model code of conduct.
According to Bhasin, in his reply, the Mussoorie MLA has stated that for more than nine years now, he has been participating regularly in the Chhath festivity. Joshi stated, “On the occasion of Chhath Puja I did not distribute money to buy votes or induce the voters in the area. I behaved according to religious traditions on the occasion of Chhath Puja. I did not offer any inducement or pay money to any voter for buying votes. False allegations were levelled against me based on ulterior motives and political rivalry to damage my image. I have not violated the election model code of conduct. The notice against me is based on wrong details. Considering this, the notice issued to me should be cancelled,” the Mussoorie MLA stated.
The BJP State media in- charge said that the party does not indulge in dubious actions and politics based on buying votes. The party does not even encourage such malpractices.
Bhasin reiterated that the BJP leaders and workers fully respect the election model code of conduct.
On the occasion of Chhath Puja, the Mussoorie MLA was simply observing the traditional practice of presenting dakshina to the women who had applied tilak on him, said Bhasin.
It is pertinent to mention here that Congress had lodged a complaint with the State Election Commission after a video clip showing Joshi presenting cash to women on Chhath had gone viral on the social media.