Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijay Singh today asked the Election Commission to move against PM A.B. Vajpayee and BJP’s chief ministerial candidate in Madhya Pradesh, Uma Bharti, for violating the code of conduct. Digvijay has demanded action against the two leaders, who were present at a Bhopal rally on October 19 where Jamuni Bai of Rajgarh district, was ‘‘paraded as a victim of rape and oppression’’. In a letter to the EC, Digvijay has asked to consider ‘‘necessary steps and actions and to pass direction against leader of BJP namely PM A.B. Vajpayee, Uma Bharti and others responsible for violation of norms of model code of conduct of the EC.’’ He has also sought a freeze on the BJP’s ‘Lotus’ symbol. He wondered ‘‘whether or not,’’ the state BJP had the approval of Vajpayee for presenting Jamuni Bai at the rally. ‘‘Vajpayee is a very senior and experienced politician and our feeling is that, perhaps, he did not know such an incident was planned at the public meeting,’’ Digvijay said. ‘‘It is very possible he might have been kept in dark, but because it has taken place in his presence, we have written to the EC,’’ he added. The letter states: ‘‘Presentation of Jamuni Bai, as a hapless victim of social atrocity and rape.was extremely revolting for human dignity and violation of all norms of decency and good conduct.’’ ‘‘This act symbolises a depraved national political pathos with the Prime Minister, who was present on the occasion, endorsing the ugly spectacle,’’ Digvijay stated. In the case which took place in 1994 in Chhudawalia village of Rajgarh district, Jamuni Bai’s husband was murdered and ‘‘she is alleged to have been raped and beaten,’’ the letter states. It adds that four accused for the murder have been convicted. Calling the case ‘‘sub-judice’’ as an appeal is pending in high court, Digvijay states that Uma Bharti’s attempt to get the PM’s ‘‘approval’’ for ‘‘this crass impropriety’’ is ‘‘most contemptuous.’’ Giving the bank documents, Singh claims Jamuni Bai was ‘‘bribed with Rs 1 lakh for appearing before the gathering as a rape victim to gather votes’’.
