Order FIR, probe on PAAS leader's audio clip, EC told

The Congress on Friday urged the Election Commission to take cognisance of an audio clip released by Patidar leader Narendra Patel claiming the BJP offered him Rs 1 crore and to order an FIR and a probe into the matter.

The party also questioned the "silence" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President Amit Shah and Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Narendra Patel's allegation that the BJP tried buy his political loyalty for Rs 1 crore and gave him Rs 10 lakh in advance.

"Narendra Patel's claim about the Rs 1 crore offer and release of an audio clip on his conversation with former PAAS member Varun Patel prove how BJP is indulging in cheap politics to win Gujarat polls by trying to bribe opposition leaders," Congress spokesperson Ajay Maken said.

"The BJP is completely rattled in Gujarat and will stoop to any level to win the Gujarat election.

"It is not the first time such a thing has happened in Gujarat. Even during the Rajya Sabha election, the BJP tried its best to bribe three Congress MLAs with Rs 10 crore to switch political loyalties.

"We demand an FIR against Varun Patel and Gujarat BJP President Jitubhai Vaghani and seek a judicial probe.

"The Election Commission should take cognisance and issue directions that an FIR be lodged in the case. Is the EC running away from its constitutional responsibility?" Maken asked.

--IANS

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