Palghar bypoll: Sena writes to EC, accuses BJP of malpractices

The Shiv Sena today wrote to the Election Commission accusing the BJP of trying to "bribe" voters ahead of the May 28 by-election for Palghar Lok Sabha constituency.

In the letter to the EC, Sena MLA Amit Ghoda alleged that "distribution of cash to the voters to bribe them to vote for BJP candidate" was going on.

Those distributing the cash were caught by Sena workers, and a flying squad of the Election Commission had conducted a panch-nama (spot inspection), he said.

It was "gross violation of election code of conduct" and therefore the BJP candidate (Rajendra Gavit) should be disqualified, the letter said.

BJP spokesperson was not immediately available for comments. Both parties have run an acrimonious campaign for the by-poll, levelling accusations at each other.