Congress MP and AICC observer Jairam Ramesh on Thursday continued to slam the BJP government and threw serious allegations of the BJP buying votes and bribing banned militant groups under the SoO (Suspension of Operations) in Manipur.
"In a shocking and flagrant violation of the Election Commission model code of conduct, the BJP-led Manipur government released Rs 15,70,32,000 to banned militant groups under SoO on February 1 and another Rs 92,65,950 on March 1," alleged Jairam Ramesh on Thursday.
Speaking to the media on Thursday at the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) office in Imphal West, Ramesh said that the information of such misconduct of the BJP government was received from a reliable input, a high ranking official of the state government.
The payment was released by the Union Home Ministry and made by the state government, he said, adding, "This is in complete violation of the code of conduct is nothing more than bribery and corruption".
What is even more shocking is that around one lakh state government officials have not received their salary for two months, mid-day meal workers not getting their allocation for 18 months and the pensioners are not getting their retirement benefits, he pointed out.
The cheque number of the allotment made on February 1 is '517801' and on March 1 is '517802', Ramesh said.
The bank account which recived the cheque is an SBI account opened in the Secretariat branch and the account number ends with "...615892," the AICC observer said.
"These payments have ensured that elections in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts in first phase have not been free, fair, and peaceful. Moreover, these bribes to SoO groups will also influence the elections in Tengnoupal and Chandel districts in the second phase," he said.
This is how the BJP is buying elections in Manipur, spreading fear and intimidating voters, Ramesh said, adding this is how the BJP is indulging in corruption to remain in power.
Stating that a complaint letter will be forwarded to the CEC and CEO, Manipur in these regard, he said the Congress is hopeful that they will initiate necessary action as per the law.
