BHOPAL: Madhya Pradesh Congress on Friday took the audio-clip allegedly of a conversation between chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and a local BJP leader of Garoth assembly seat Rajesh Choudhary to the Election Commission as evidence of violation of model code of conduct.

Garoth assembly seat goes to the bypolls on Saturday and two days before polling an audio tape went viral in which the chief minister allegedly promises Choudhary of benefits in exchange for managing votes of the Porwal community. A Congress delegation went to office of Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) in Bhopal on Friday and lodged a complaint. Letter signed by PCC spokesman and election in charge JP Dhanopia said chief minister Chouhan, his ministers and BJP’s workers were consistently violating poll code in Garoth because no action is being taken against them.

In his letter Dhanopia alleged, “On June 25, chief minister openly lured Choudhary, who was also one of those considered for BJP’s candidature from the seat. Chief minister said he could not be given the ticket even though he was equally eligible.” Congress claimed, Chouhan is heard in the audio requesting Choudhary to work in the next three days and get his community to support the BJP.

“In exchange, chief minister promised to reward Choudhary with a bigger post after the elections. Chief minister said he himself is the person who can reward Choudhary, who will also be honoured,” the Congress’ alleged in its complaint.

Speaking to media later in the afternoon, Dhanopia said the audio-clip is fool-proof evidence of persuasion of a certain community and enticement to garner votes for BJP and has been done by none other than the chief minister. State Congress president Arun Yadav said chief minister Chouhan can be charged under section 171 C of the IPC for interfering with free and fair polls. “Congress party demands that proceedings should be started against the chief minister for inducing and attempting to interfere with the election rights of citizens. He should also resign forthwith,” Yadav demanded.

Speaking to TOI, office of chief electoral officer said Election Commission asked for a full report on the audio-clip on Friday. Following this, CEO instructed district collector Mandsaur to send a report on the audio-clip and verify the complaint. Report has been sent directly by collector Mandsaur to the commission in New Delhi, CEO said.

