Mumbai Congress today sought an inquiry into the allegations made by Shiv Sena that it's ally BJP had won the first phase of municipal polls in Maharashtra using demonetised currency.
Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam, who led a delegation to meet State Election Commissioner (SEC) J S Saharia here, told reporters that Sena's allegations in an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana' were of serious nature since the party is a coalition partner in the state government.
"Uddhav Thackeray is the editor of the newspaper which carried the editorial. We have demanded that notices be issued to Thackeray seeking information regarding the allegation and action be taken against the guilty," Nirupam said.
He alleged that the government was going slow on probe against Cooperation Minister Subhash Deshmukh who is in the eye of storm after recovery of Rs 91 lakh from his Lok Mangal Multi-State Credit Society vehicle.
"Probe into the case has been handed over to a junior officer in the department held by the minister. The probe is a farce," Nirupam charged.
The Election Commission should have ordered a high-level probe to ascertain whether the money was to be used for election purpose, he said, adding, "We have expressed our disappointment with Saharia that cognizance was not taken in this case."
Nirupam also raised the issue of poll code violation by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during election campaign for first phase of municipal polls.
"The CM made two statements during the campaign that those who oppose demonetisation were against the country and also made an announcement that Cidco will purchase land belonging to defunct Pen Urban Cooperative Bank holders. Both these statements were in violation of the code of conduct," he claimed.
Asked about response of the SEC, Nirupam said, "Saharia has informed that the Commission would look into the matter and take action accordingly.
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