Enquiry underway, will send report to EC soon: Goa CEO on Parrikar's 'bribe' remark

Following Defence Minister and probable Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate for Goa assembly elections, Manohar Parrikar's alleged 'bribe' remarks in a poll rally, the Chief Electoral Officer of Goa on Tuesday confirmed that an enquiry is on, following which the report would be sent to the Election Commission.

"We received a complaint from Goa Forward party via e-mail yesterday, and prior to that Business Standard (web) carried this story. As soon as this matter came under our notice, the District Electoral officer (North) undertook the enquiry.

The enquiry report and transcript, as the address was in Konkani, would be submitted to the EC," Chief Electoral Officer, Goa, Kunal told ANI

Since the matter is yet to head towards the Election commission, Karan refused to comment any further on the matter.

Kunal received a complaint on Monday against Parrikar for allegedly inciting people to accept bribes from other parties but vote in favour of BJP.

The complaint was filed by Goa Forward Party spokesperson Durgadas Kamat.

In the video, that was presented as evidence against the Defence Minister, he was heard saying "if someone takes out a rally tomorrow and you take Rs 500-600 to go with him, there is nothing wrong in that. But make sure, you vote only for the lotus (BJP's symbol)."

However, Parrikar on Monday shunned the accusation of violating model code of conduct and said, "Let the Election Commission investigate."

Goa goes to polls on February 4.