Sting operation haunts BJP ahead of election season

Beware of sting operations! That’s what the ruling BJP is telling its ministers, MPs, legislators and chairpersons of state-owned corporations and boards. With elections in the state scheduled to be held this year-end, the party is cautious not to give the Congress any opportunity to embarrass its leaders ahead of the polls.

The party is worried that the Congress may “sponsor” sting operations against its leaders as a retaliation against BJP members’ allegations pertaining to the cash-for-votes scam. The party members are being advised to update their knowledge regarding the functioning of hidden cameras and recorders.

“We have to remain alert against sting operations during the upcoming poll season,” cautioned a senior office bearer at the state working committee meeting that was attended by the party’s organising general secretary Ramalal, organising joint secretary Saudan Singh, Chief Minister Raman Singh, among others.

However, State Congress Committee spokesperson Ramesh Varliyani said, “Congress doesn’t practice such kind of politics. Such concerns stem from the internal dissensions of the BJP.”

Argued BJP’s national secretary Saroj Pandey: “In the past, leaders like Dilip Singh Judeo were implicated by their adversaries through such means. We have to be especially cautious due to the recent developments in Delhi.”

Sting operations are not new in Chhattisgarh. It began at the time of the state’s maiden Assembly elections in December 2003. The BJP suffered the most because of such stings — irrespective of whether the party was in power or not.

A few months ago, BJP’s Kruparam Sahu had to resign as chairman of state Khadi Gramodyog Board after he was caught on camera, allegedly accepting money for some favour. Even as a news channel aired the footage, Sahu walked into the office of the TV channel and reportedly offered money, requesting it to withdraw the footage. This was telecast too.

During Operation Dhuryodhan, BJP MP Pradeep Gandhi, who represented Rajnandgaon, was shown on national television accepting money “for raising questions in Parliament”. He was expelled from the primary membership of the party and lost his membership of the Lower House as well.

Earlier, during the run up to the December 2003 Assembly polls, the state BJP received a major jolt when Union minister Dilip Singh Judeo was caught on camera accepting money. He had to resign from the Union Government. The CBI registered a case against him and also against those who had planned and executed the sting operation.

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