Mahendra Karma in trouble

     Dantewada, November 8, 2008: Dantewada police has registered a case against the Leader of Opposition and Congress candidate from Dantewada Mahendra Karma after an English paper carried a news item claiming he was distributing money to seek votes.

     A case has been registered against Karma under the Representation of People Act after the matter was taken cognizance yesterday by the Election Commission, officials said.

      Meanwhile, Karma, who is trying his luck from Dantewada for the fourth time, today dismissed the allegation of having involved in any unfair means to win election.

      He had never attempted to pay money to any of his voters nor he will do that, Karma said adding it was an insult to his voters and an attempt to tarnish his image.

     The senior Congress leader said he had given money to his workers to open election office and that was done by every political parties and the allegation had no basis.

     At Raipur, AICC Treasurer Motilal Vora said it could be a conspiracy also and with out talking to Karma he can not issue any statement or reaction on that matter.

     The Hindustan Times in a report from Dantewada said – Karma is a Congress leader contesting for a third term in the Chhattisgarh state assembly from Dantewada. He was campaigning in Behramgarh at a small gathering of tribals in a village that does not have a motorable road. The state goes to poll on November 14 and 20.

     After completing his speech, where he promised roads, water, electricity and employment, he called one of the tribal women witnessing his speech and handed over a few hundred-rupee notes – an illegal inducement that can lead to his being barred from contesting elections under the Representation of People’s Act.