Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Ahead of the April 26 Gujarat local body polls, BJP Lok Sabha MP Mitesh Patel has kicked up a controversy with remarks allegedly warning that development grants would be withheld if voters in Anklav elect Congress candidates, triggering the opposition to lodge a complaint to poll body.The Gujarat unit of the Congress on Wednesday approached the state election commission (SEC), seeking action against the Anand MP over his comments made during campaign events for elections to local self-government bodies, including taluka panchayats, municipalities, district panchayats and civic corporations.Patel made the remarks at a rally in Anklav, in Anand district, on Monday night in the presence of deputy chief minister Harsh Sanghavi. The Anklav municipality is among the urban bodies going to polls.At the event, Patel alleged that the Congress had earlier discriminated against BJP leaders by denying them development funds, and suggested similar treatment for Congress representatives if they win. “Development proposals submitted by BJP members were ignored (during Congress rule), leaving them unable to fulfil promises made to voters. If even one Congress member wins (in Anklav), we will not give them a single rupee in grant, I am announcing this from the stage,” he said.The remarks sparked sharp criticism, with the Congress accusing the BJP MP of attempting to influence voters through intimidation. In its complaint, the party cited his April 20 speech, stating: “If members of the Congress are elected in Ankalav taluka, they should not be given a grant,” and alleged that such statements, made in the presence of the deputy chief minister, signalled possible backing from the state government.“The speech made by Patel incites people and spreads fear among voters, completely violating the MCC (Model Code of Conduct) imposed by the state election commission. We demand, with immediate effect, criminal action against those who violate the MCC and threaten voters,” the Congress said.
