Koda episode won't affect Cong poll prospects: Digvijay

The Congress today dismissed speculation that corruption case against former Jharkhand chief minister Madhu Koda could cast its shadow on the party's poll prospects in that state.

"Everybody will face consequences for what he does. Koda is not an issue for us," AICC general secretary Digvijay Singh told reporters after meeting Rahul Gandhi at his residence here.

He said tough action should be taken against all if allegations of corruption against them are proved.

About BJP's plans to take up corruption as a poll issue in Jharkhand assembly elections and target Congress for its past support to Koda government, Singh said, "ask Babulal Marandi why he was removed and why Arjun Munda replaced him. There are charges of corruption against BJP for removal of Babulal."

Marandi, who left BJP and is currently the chief of Jharkhand Vikas Morcha, is an ally of Congress in the elections. The five-phase polls will begin on November 25.

Meanwhile, Congress has decided to send its newly elected MP and cine-star-turned politician Raj Babbar for campaigning in the tribal state. Babbar said development would be party's plank in Jharkhand elections.

Moradabad MP Md. Azharuddin will also campaign in Jharkhand.

Prime minister Manmohan Singh, party chief Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi are set to criss-cross the state during the electioneering.