BHOPAL: Three petrol pumps have been sealed in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh for allegedly rendering free of cost fuel to vehicles engaged in the campaigning of ruling BJP and opposition Samajwadi Party candidates.
The pumps, whose licenses have been cancelled for violating the model code of conduct by rendering free petrol/diesel to vehicles engaged in campaigning of the two parties, include two pumps in Balaghat and one in Bhopal.
According to Chief Electoral Officer (CEO MP) VL Kantha Rao, the two petrol pumps sealed in Balaghat district were rendering free fuel to vehicles campaigning for two political parties in Balaghat assembly constituency.
Detailed checking and investigations by Flying Squad Team (FST) of the ECI at one of the petrol pumps revealed that free fuel was being rendered to vehicles carrying slips of campaigning for the BJP candidate. On spot check of records and books of accounts at the concerned petrol pump revealed no documentary proof of monetary transaction for around 245 litres petrol.
Subsequently, a case of model code of conduct violation was lodged against the petrol pump manager and the pump was sealed.
Further, on the spot checking by another FST of ECI at the other petrol pump in the same assembly constituency revealed that petrol was being supplied free of cost to two-wheelers bearing the Samajwadi Party flag.
Importantly, the Balaghat seat of Balaghat district is witnessing a tough contest between sitting MLA and MP Agriculture Minister Gourishankar Bisen and SP candidate Anubha Munjare. In the 2013 polls, Bisen had defeated Munjare by just over 2500-odd votes.
The third petrol pump was sealed and its license cancelled in Berasiya area of Bhopal for allegedly providing free petrol to vehicles engaged in campaigning of ruling BJP. On the spot probe revealed that around 30 vehicles had been rendered free petrol/diesel at the pump sans any payment.
Helicopters for peaceful polls in naxal affected Balaghat and Mandla district
The union ministry of home affairs (MHA) has provided two helicopters for peaceful elections in naxal affected parts of MP. While one copter will be stationed in Balaghat district, the other one will be positioned in adjoining Mandla district.
Also, another helicopter will be stationed in Bhopal for Air Ambulance servies in case of any medical exigencies.