Madhya Pradesh cabinet minister Kailash Vijayvargiya has criticized Nakul Nath, the Congress candidate from the Chhindwara parliamentary seat and son of former Chief Minister Kamal Nath, accusing him of attempting to influence the election through bribery. Vijayvargiya, speaking to ANI, urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to investigate Nath’s residence.
“Since the last three days, liquor has been distributed in some places, and we complained about it. Rs 4.94 lakhs cash was recovered from Congress leader Girish Sahu and the list of names on whom he took money was also recovered. There were three more Congress workers with him who ran away. Police are searching for them,” he said.
“I think they (Congress) are trying to buy ‘loktantra’ through ‘note-tantra’. Nakul Nath is absolutely scared of the BJP. I think he (Nath) clearly sees his defeat that is why he took the support of note-tantra, distributing utensils and liquors in some places,” the minister said.
“A few people belonging to the Ahir community met me and said that they were offered Mangal Bhawan worth Rs 15 Lakh that the Congress leader said would be built for them. In this way, Nakul Nath is trying to buy ‘loktantra’ through ‘note-tantra’. We will request the ECI to conduct an inspection of his house since we have got information that there are bundles of currency at his residence which he is using to bribe voters,” he further added.
Vijayvargiya also stated that he would ask the ECI to designate the Chhindwara Lok Sabha seat as a sensitive constituency and ensure regular inspection of their (Nath’s) vehicles.
“Considering the way the Congress and Nakul Nath are using money in this election, we will request the election commission to designate the entire Chhindwara Lok Sabha constituency as a sensitive parliamentary seat and conduct regular checks of their vehicles. There is a significant amount of alcohol, utensils, and cash being distributed. This is a violation of democracy, and I believe it should not be tolerated,” Vijayvargiya emphasized.
Chhindwara, along with five other parliamentary seats in the state, will vote in the first phase on April 19. BJP candidate Vivek Bunty Sahu is contesting against Congress’ Nakul Nath from the seat.
Lok Sabha elections in Madhya Pradesh will be conducted in four phases, with the first phase on April 19, followed by April 26, May 7, and May 13.
