Case against Sangli BJP leader for alleged poll code breach

A case has been registered against Prithviraj Deshmukh, Sanglidistrict unit chiefof the BJP, for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct, the office of Maharashtra's Chief Electoral Officer said Saturday.

The Election Commission had received a complaint about the comments made by Deshmukh in Miraj on March 27, it said.

"After ascertaining the facts, a complaint was registered at Miraj and Bhilwadi police stations," the CEO's office said in a release.

Addressing a joint gathering of the BJP, Shiv Sena and RPI (A) workers Wednesday, Deshmukh purportedly said it was not going to be easy to retain the Sangli Lok Sabha seat, where the BJP has fielded sitting MP Sanjaykaka Patil.

When someone from the crowd asked what would he give them if they got Patil re-elected, he said, "You will get five lakh rupees or even more.

"Jokes apart, Sanjaykaka Patilhas done a good job here in Miraj by getting funds for development of roads, highways, railways and other infrastructure," he added.

Video of the speech went viral on social media.

SangliDistrict Collector Abhijit Chaudhari had told PTI that the Election Commission had taken cognisance of the media reports of Deshmukh's speech.

"The footage of his speech has been sent to the assistantreturning officer," he had said.

NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said no further inquiry was required as Deshmukh was clearly heard offering a "bribe" to people.

"This proves our charge that the BJPis fighting elections with money power," Malik said.