The recovery of Rs 1.80 crore from the VVIP vehicles carrying caretaker chief minister Pema Khandu, deputy chief minister Chowna Mein and state BJP president Tapir Gao on Tuesday night is a new low in the political history of the state. Though two private persons have come out to claim that the cash belongs to them the people of the state remain skeptical and many believe that it was money meant for election-related expenses. The recovery of such a huge amount shows that money is going to play a critical role in determining the outcome of the coming assembly and Lok Sabha elections.
What is worrying is that now VVIP vehicles are being used to ferry cash for the candidates of the ruling party. This puts the opposition candidates at a disadvantage. The Election Commission (EC) should strictly check the vehicles of these VVIPs. Also, there is the possibility that these people may use the chopper service to ferry cash to different parts of the state. If the EC is indeed serious about ensuring free and fair elections it should strictly check the activities of the ruling party’s leaders. They are trying to take undue advantage to buy the voters, using their official position. This should not be allowed to take place at any cost. With the voting day nearing, there is fear that more money will be pumped in to buy the voters. The onus lies with the EC to stop the flow of cash, so that free and fair elections take place.