BJP Files Complaint with Election Commission Over Pre-Vote Fund Transfers

BJP questions late-night fund release, seeks action on alleged code violations.

Key Points:

– BJP challenges pre-vote fund transfers under Maiya Samman Yojana.

– Complaints lodged against Congress candidate Ajay Nath Shahdeo and Mahua Maji.

– Demands suspension of Hussainabad official for RJD support.

RANCHI – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) approached the Election Commission of India (ECI) over alleged irregularities occurring just before the voting day in Jharkhand’s assembly elections.

In its complaint, the BJP raised concerns over a last-minute fund disbursement under the Maiya Samman Yojana, claiming it was issued by the government without prior notice.

According to BJP representatives, funds under this welfare scheme are typically distributed on the 6th or 7th of each month.

However, this time, the funds were transferred on the eve of the elections, raising questions about the motives behind the timing.

BJP argued that voters were made to wait nearly a week for the funds, which only arrived a night before voting, suggesting potential election code violations.

The delegation demanded an investigation into who authorized this abrupt disbursement.

In addition, BJP also raised a complaint against Congress candidate Ajay Nath Shahdeo, alleging that photos of him were distributed on slips at every polling booth in the Hatia constituency.

This, they argued, violates the Model Code of Conduct by possibly influencing voters at the last minute.

BJP further reported Mahua Maji for allegedly campaigning in Ranchi’s Chutia area while wearing a party scarf, which could also breach election guidelines.

Another pressing concern raised was regarding Hussainabad police station in-charge Sanjay Kumar Yadav.

According to BJP, Yadav has openly supported the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and has allegedly detained multiple BJP workers.

In its complaint, BJP urged the Election Commission to suspend Yadav to maintain impartiality.

Following BJP’s appeals, the Election Commission directed the filing of First Information Reports (FIRs) against both Ajay Nath Shahdeo and Mahua Maji.

The remaining cases will undergo further investigation.

Among the BJP representatives filing the complaint was senior party member Pushkar Tiwari.