'MLA shopping' controversy ahead of assembly bypolls in Gujarat

Controversy has hit by-elections to eight assembly seats in Gujarat, scheduled on Tuesday, with the opposition Congress alleging that the BJP “purchased” its MLAs.

Congress MLAs had resigned ahead of Rajya Sabha elections, necessitating by-elections.

On Sunday, the day campaigning drew to a close, the Congress released a video of a sting operation involving former MP and former MP MLA Somabhai G. Patel, who was earlier with it but quit the party to join the BJP.

At a one point of time, the man, who the Congress says is Patel, goes on to say that none of the MLAs, who joined the BJP, were given more than Rs 10 crore.

Gujarat Congress president Amit Chavda demanded that the Income Tax Department and the Enforcement Directorate should register a money laundering case and look into the case.

While Patel’s face is not seen in the video and the authenticity of the video is not verified, the person in the video also hints at the incumbent state BJP president with whom the talks were on for joining the party. He, however, does not name C R Patil and refers him as the newly appointed BJP president. The body structure and the dress up of the person in the video is exactly of Somabhai G. Patel.

In a recent interview with one of the local news channels, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani had admitted that the MLAs were given promise that they would be given tickets in the by-election. Albeit, all have not been given. The Chief Minister had also said that it is the MLA’s right to serve the constituency for a term of five years.

Patil is on record to state that the allegations are baseless and that Patel did not mention his name in the video. State BJP spokesperson Bharat Pandya could not be contacted despite repeated efforts.