THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, February 21: The Jharkhand unit of the BJP has raised serious concerns about what it describes as the involvement of operatives from organised crime networks in the Urban Local Body (ULB) elections scheduled for February 23.
Addressing his maiden press conference in Daltonganj early Saturday morning after assuming charge as state president, Aditya Sahu, Rajya Sabha MP and Jharkhand BJP chief, alleged that operatives linked to organised crime are influencing the election process.
He claimed that such elements intimidate and coerce voters to favour a particular candidate, thereby vitiating the democratic atmosphere in the town.
Demand for Central Armed Police Forces
“We have demanded deployment of central armed police forces on the day of voting,” Sahu said.
When asked whether the party had approached Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the matter, Sahu stated that a copy of the representation submitted to the State Election Commission in Ranchi had also been sent to the Union Home Minister.
“All we want is free and fair voting. If any officer responsible for conducting the poll is found acting as an agent of the state government, such erring officials will be raised in the Vidhan Sabha and Lok Sabha. They will not get away,” he asserted.
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In a strongly worded statement, Sahu warned that BJP workers would take to the streets if there were any attempts to rig the election. He added that officers found guilty of nepotism would be held accountable.
Allegations Echoed by Former CM
Two days earlier, former Chief Minister Raghubar Das had levelled similar allegations, accusing organised crime network operatives of influencing and intimidating voters in Daltonganj.
However, Sahu acknowledged that no FIR has been filed either by the BJP-supported mayoral candidate Aruna Shankar or by any individual who allegedly received threat calls from such operatives.
CCTV Plea in High Court
Sahu further revealed that BJP-supported candidate Aruna Shankar had moved the High Court seeking directions for the installation of CCTV cameras at polling stations. He said the High Court, after taking cognisance of the matter, directed the state government to ensure CCTV installation at the polling booths.
Sahu held the press conference at around 8.30 am in Daltonganj and left for Ranchi within half an hour to participate in a roadshow.
He was accompanied by state general secretary Manoj Singh, district president Amit Tiwary, senior BJP leader Shyam Narayan Dubey, former district presidents Bipin Singh and Narendra Pandey, and Anand Shankar, husband of the BJP-supported candidate.
Mayoral Contest
Aruna Shankar is seeking her second term as Mayor and is locked in a direct contest with JMM-supported candidate Poonam Singh and Congress-supported candidate Namrata Tripathy.
The alleged emergence of organised crime network operatives has come as a shock to many law-abiding residents of Daltonganj.