BJP state unit prez backs Munde's statement on election reforms

Advocating state-funded elections, BJP state unit president Devendra Fadanavis on Saturday said that there is no question of asking for any explanation about Gopinath Munde’s statement on election reforms.

While speaking to media persons after inaugurating Nat Lab of the Janakalyan Blood Bank, Fadanavis said, “One has to follow the entire speech by Munde before drawing any conclusion.” He also said, “Election commission is going to inquire into the reported statement but they will not take any action as Munde’s statement in isolation has been reported by media.”

He said that Munde had pointed out that election expenditure is on the rise and parties like NCP are spending huge money even for gram panchayat and municipal council elections. Fadanavis said that Munde has talked of election reforms and his statement has to be looked in that context.

Fadanavis said, “BJP state unit is in support of bringing political parties under the ambit of Right to Information.”

Munde’s statement was unfortunate : Patil

Terming BJP leader Gopinath Munde’s statement on election expenditure as unfortunate, state cabinet minister Harshawardhan Patil said that the comment were harmful for democracy.

Patil on Saturday felicitated Meenadevi Jagtap and Suresh Gujarathi with ideal mother and ideal law practitioner awards during a function in Pune.

Harshawardhan Patil said, ”When Munde speaks of his expenditure in crores, he is speaking against the spirit of democracy.”

He said, ”Election Commission will conduct an inquiry as to in which context Munde has made the statement. However the comments were unfortunate.