Channel predicts win for BJP; Congress cries foul

A National Channel predicting a “thumping” victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the ensuing state polls had put the opposition Congress leaders in a fix.

Alleging that the act was a violation of election code of conduct, Congress party had lodged a complaint with the state’s chief election officer.

The Congress leaders had demanded action against the television channel also.

The Channel had aired a survey report that showed BJP heading for a thumping victory in Chhattisgarh by bagging 61 to 71 seats in the assembly of 90 members.

While the Congress is giving a tough fight to the BJP, the report of latter taking over a clear edge had come as a big jolt to the opposition.

“A delegation of Congress leaders on Tuesday met the chief election officer and submitted a memorandum,” Congress General Secretary Sanjay Pathak said.

The Congress leaders had alleged that the survey report aired by the channel was managed by the ruling BJP as it showed party getting absolute majority in the elections.

In the memorandum, the opposition party demanded that the news report had appeared a number of times in the channel and its commercial cost would be around Rs 2 crore.

“We have demanded that the expense should be included in the election expenditure of BJP candidates in 90 seats,” Pathak said. The BJP spokesperson could not be contacted for a version on the issue.