Money matters

The Congress headquarters is abuzz with tales of AICC observers who were sent to every parliamentary constituency to oversee candidates campaign. One such observer sent to Mumbai demanded money from a high-profile candidate threatening that he would otherwise send an adverse report. Though there was nothing unusual about the demand,according to Congressmen,the observer underestimated the clout of the candidate,who complained to the Congress presidents office. The observer was called back. Many AICC observers have their own tales though. One of them appointed for a constituency in Uttar Pradesh was given a bundle of Rs 25,000. When he came out,he found out that the bundle contained only Rs 22,500. He could not dare go back to AICC treasurer Motilal Voras office to take it up with his staff. He discovered only later from other observers that there was nothing unusual about it.