Congress cries 'cash for vote' after EC's Arunachal haul

The Congress on Wednesday alleged that BJP leaders in Arunachal Pradesh have been involved in a "cash for vote" scam, amounting to cash worth Rs 1.8 crore a night before PM Modi's rally in Pasighat in the state.

Congress's chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said cash was found in a convoy of Chief Minister Pema Khandu. "Unaccounted cash amounting to Rs 180 lakh was found during a midnight raid on the convoy of Arunachal CM Pema Khandu, Deputy CM Chowna Mein and BJP Arunachal president Tapir Gao," said Surjewala.

"The raids were conducted in the presence of Election Commission's Expenditure Officer Samrita Kaur Gill (IRS). The cash was being reportedly transported in certain vehicles parked at the Siang Guest House in Pasighat," he added. Surjewala also said that two videos of the raids have emerged on social media which prove the truth behind the incident.

Surjewala further said that complaints were raised by members of the Youth Congress, and five vehicles were searched in front of them. Rs 1.80 crore were recovered in denominations of Rs 500.

As per reports, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) and Superintendent of Police (SP) Pasighat, after the recovery of cash, intimated to Priya Ranjan, the Income Tax officer stationed at Pasighat for the elections.

Denies Charges

BJP Arunachal president Tapir  Gao said he or CM Khandu were not involved at all. “That is personal money of BJP candidate and former MLA Dangi Perme’s and it was found in their personal car,” he said.