Uttarakhand BJP MLA, Ganesh Joshi was riled up in a controversy when a video of him distributing money to women went viral on social media in an alleged violation of model code of conduct.
The visual shows him distributing Rs. 100 notes to people during a Chhat celebration in Uttarakhand. He said to PTI reacting to this that there is nothing wrong in it as he was continuing an age-old tradition.
“Age-old tradition”
Further justifying his deed, he said to PTI “You must have noticed in the video that I am handing notes only to women who apply ‘tika’ on my forehead, not to all those present there. Brothers do give money or a gift to their sisters when they apply ‘tika’ on their foreheads. It is an age-old practice. What is wrong in it?”
Ganesh Joshi said that the distribution of money is nowhere relating to elections and Congress was trying to make a big issue out of this while replying to NDTV.
According to the Model code of conduct, all parties and candidates shall avoid scrupulously all activities which are “corrupt practices” and offences under the election law, such as bribing of voters and intimidation of voters. Ganesh Joshi has received a notice from election commission relating to this incident.
Neha Joshi, Daughter of MLA Ganesh Joshi and national coordinator of BJP Youth Wing, spoke to The Logical Indian, said ” The opposition is purposely dragging Mr Joshi into ‘Cash for votes’ issue. My father has been attending this procession every year and if one closely looks at the video, he is giving away noted only to the women who are doing the ’tilak’
“It has nothing to do with the Model code of conduct as MLA Joshi was not inducing or luring anyone for votes by giving cash. He attends the ‘Chhath Puja’ every year and gives money to his sisters. Anyone can reach out to women in the video and can be asked about it” She added
Congress came in firing against Ganesh Joshi saying this is a clear violation of the code of conduct. Uttarakhand Congress President said, ”BJP is using money and distributing liquor to influence the voters.”
BJP, on the other hand, backed Ganesh Joshi saying this was dirty politics played by Congress to mix politics with the festival. As civic body polls are starting on November 18, this has created uneasiness for BJP as the campaigning for civic election ended on Friday at this note. Previously, Ganesh Joshi was in a controversy for thrashing a horse named Shaktiman and injuring its leg in 2016 which died later after sustaining injuries.
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