BJP violating poll code in Bihar: Congress-RJD-JD-U alliance

The Congress-RJD-JD-U combine on Monday expressed concern over the government machinery being allegedly misused by the BJP and its allies in the run-up to the Bihar assembly elections, and alleged that four trains were booked for BJP workers at concessional rates to take them on a junket.

"The election model code of conduct is being violated ever since it came into force on September 9 when the Election Commission announced polls to the Bihar assembly," Janata-Dal United leader K.C. Tyagi said at a press conference here.

He said thousands of 'swayamseveks' from Bihar were given railway tickets at concessional rates so that they could be taken to BJP-ruled states.

Pawan K. Varma of the JD-U, who was also present at the press meet, said the four trains -- Patna to Raipur, Patna to Mumbai, Patna to Bhopal and Patna to Jaipur on September 7, 9, 11 and 13, respectively -- were booked by BJP "agents" and the railway ministry gave 60 percent concession on their tickets.

He said voters were being bribed, and wondered how could a level playing field be created when the government machinery was being used in offering concessions to BJP activists.

Terming the trains -- named Vikas Express -- as 'Farji Express', the alliance said it has filed a complaint against it with the Election Commission.

"The trains must be cancelled. Concession must be taken back and the whole episode should be probed," Varma said.

Randeep Surjewala of the Congress said various scams which originated during the BJP's rule in various parts of the country were actually 'jungle raj', and the party cannot accuse the Congress of it.

C.P. Joshi, the Congress general secretary in charge of party affairs in Bihar, said the Congress-RJD-JD-U combine was a strong alliance which stood for overall development of the state.