Trinamool complains to EC against money power in UP polls

The Trinamool Congress (TMC), which is contesting the Uttar Pradesh assembly polls, Thursday complained to the Election Commission alleging that political parties, including its ally Congress party, were using muscle and money power to get votes in the ongoing elections.

“We have approached the Election Commission and have complained to them on clear violation of the election model code of conduct by all political parties in UP,” Trinamool Congress leader Sultan Ahmed told reporters here.

He said that all parties — Congress, Samajwadi Party, Bharatiya Janata Party and Bahujan Samaj Party — are using money and muscle power to get votes.

“TMC candidates are being lured by offering money and party candidates in Pilibhit district were threatened by police to withdraw their candidature. Our party is fighting on principles,” he said.

He claimed that 60 percent of booths in last three phases of UP elections were looted and all these booths have reported 98 percent polling.

TMC is contesting over 200 seats in Uttar Pradesh.

On the issue of Congress leader Beni Prasad Verma promising sub-quota for Muslims, Ahmed said: “The Congress leaders are trying to befool the country. No one will listen to their nonsense.”