EC must check vehicles of the PM and union ministers : Mamata

Mamata Banerjee has alleged BJP for issuing money to buy votes and demanded that all vehicles, including helicopters used by the prime minister and union ministers, be checked by the Election Commission.

Hasnabad: While addressing an election rally here, Trinamool Congress chairperson and West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee on Saturday alleged BJP for issuing money to buy votes and demanded that all vehicles, including helicopters used by the prime minister and union ministers, be checked by the Election Commission.

Banerjee asked the Election Commission to check even cars and the helicopter used by her if needed.

She cautioned voters about outsiders and said that union ministers travelling with Z and Y category security are carrying funds in their vehicles.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's frequent visits to the state ahead of the various phases of the Lok Sabha polls, Banerjee, who is among his severest critics, said, "Why is he coming so often to Bengal? He wants to create division among the people. He is coming with loads of money to distribute to the people."

"I request the Election Commission please also check my car and my helicopter. But check all the union ministers cars and helicopters too. They cannot be exempted. They are bringing in money through various ways. They even travel in Z and Y category security and carry funds in their vehicles. Please keep a watch so that proper democracy is maintained," she asked the poll body.

Banerjee said that a BJP candidate was even caught carrying crores - a reference to the police seizing Rs 1.13 lakh from the vehicle of the saffron party's candidate and former IPS officer Bharati Ghosh on late Thursday night at Pingla area in Bengal's West Midnapore district.

Cautioning the people, she said "People of Hasnabad and adjoining areas, please be careful about outsiders and keep an eye on them. There are RSS people out to offer your money for your votes. BJP will try all sorts of things to get votes, including offering money," she said while addressing a rally at Hasnabad in North 24 Parganas on the Indo-Bangla border.

She also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for doing "nothing" in the last five years and challenged him to a live debate with her on television.