BJP giving away sarees in Garhwal: Cong

The Uttaranchal Congress has alleged that the BJP is distributing sarees and durees (floor mats) among villagers in Garhwal, in gross violation of the model code of conduct.

State Congress spokesperson Surinder Aggarwal on Wednesday said the party will soon approach the Election Commission after gathering enough ‘‘material evidence’’. He alleged that the BJP is distributing sarees and durees through voluntary groups like Yuva and Mahila Mangal Dals in the villages of Pauri Garhwal and Tehri Garhwal parliamentary constituencies. ‘‘We would complain to the Election Commission after getting the material evidence,’’ he said.

The Uttaranchal BJP has denied the charges. Its spokesperson Devender Bhasin said the Congress was resorting to such ‘‘cheap tactics’’ to malign the BJP as it was ‘‘afraid of losing’’ the elections.

Meanwhile, both parties have geared up for intensive campaigning in the next 10 days. The Congress has lined up several senior leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, former MP chief minister Digvijay Singh and former UPCC chief Salman Khursheed.

The BJP, on the other hand, plans to bring leaders like Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and Union ministers Sushma Swaraj and Shatrughan Sinha.