BJP bribed press for Advani roadshow, claims Congress

The opposition Congress in the state has accused Madhya Pradesh's ruling BJP of giving cash to journalists ahead of the yatra, at a briefing called by the Satna district unit of the party.

"The party which is making hue and cry over black money is itself using black money for Advani's yatra," state Congress president Kantilal Bhuria told IANS.

At least two dozens Congress workers, comprising both women and men, were arrested Friday by the local police when they sought to show black flags to Advani's yatra in Satna.

"There is no meaning of such a yatra in Madhya Pradesh when several ministers of the Shivraj Singh Chouhan cabinet are embroiled in corruption charges," opposition leader Ajay Singh alleged.

Satna MP Ganesh Singh of the BJP, who along with PWD Minister Nagendra Singh was present at the media briefing, denied that cash was distributed to newsmen by the party.
"Neither has it been a policy of the party nor was (cash) distributed by us," Singh said. "But we will sure inquire."

Advani told reporters that the president of his party unit in Madhya Pradesh, Prabhat Jha, will investigate whether bribes were offered in exchange for coverage in Satna.

Advani's yatra reached Madhya Pradesh late Thursday evening and will remain in the state till Oct 16. During these four days, his yatra will cover 45 assembly constituencies and travel approximately 1,100 km.