New Delhi: A recorded phone conversation between powerful political leaders in Chhattisgarh suggests that the Antagarh Assembly by-poll held last year was 'fixed' by the BJP and the Congress.
The Indian Express claims to have accessed the tapes containing telephonic conversations between Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh's son-in-law Puneet Gupta, former Chief Minister Ajit Jogi, his son Amit Jogi and Congress candidate Manturam Pawar, who in a surprise move, withdrew his candidature for the Antagarh assembly by-poll at the eleventh hour.
In the audio tape, Ajit Jogi, his son Amit Jogi and Puneet Gupta are heard finalising a deal. "We have to go up to seven at least...he is expecting ten. We will bring him down. Lekin ekdum se uska itna kam mat kar do ki phir wo bhaag hi jaaye," the report quotes Amit as saying.
Last year, BJP candidate Bhojraj Nag emerged victorious in the Antagarh Assembly by-poll in Kanker district after the Congress candidate withdrew at the last minute. The Congress had expelled Manturam Pawar from the party soon after his withdrawal.
The by-election was necessitated after BJP MLA Vikram Usendi was elected to the Lok Sabha from Kanker seat.
The tapes also feature conversation between Firoz Si ddiqui, a former confidante of Ajit Jogi, and another Jogi loyalist Ameen Memon.
The report further claims that both Pawar and Siddiqui have admitted that it is their voice on the tape. However, Amit Jogi, Ajit Jogi and Gupta have so far denied any involvement.
Meanwhile, the Congress has issued a show-cause notice to Ajit Jogi asking him to issue an explanation to the party high command.
CM Raman Singh however denied all allegations of involvement in the withdrawal of the Congress candidate. "BJP and myself have nothing to do with the withdrawal of the candidate. It is their internal matter. Hence there is no question of CM's house or anybody meeting (anyone) in this regard. I categorically deny these allegations," he said.
The Congress, however, has been quick to demand the CM's resignation on charges of using money to influence the Congress candidate.
