In an apparent setback to Bharatiya Janata Party’s zero tolerance policy towards corruption, a party legislator from Vidarbha Raju Todsam has been accused of seeking money from a local contractor. An audio clip has gone viral where Todsam is said to be asking money from civil contractor Shivdutt Sharma.
The contractor, who claims himself to be an active BJP member since its inception, has filed a complaint at the local police station against Todsam. He has also made an appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to take stern action against Todsam.
However, Todsam, who has been elected for the first time from Arni constituency in Yavatmal district known for the high number of farmers’ suicides, has categorically denied Sharma’s allegations saying that he will soon file a defamation case against the contractor. Todsam also said that he will argue his case before Fadnavis and state unit president Raosaheb Danve at the sidelines of party’s meeting slated for Saturday to review the organization shake up exercise.
State party spokesman Girish Vyas told, “The party has taken a serious note of the audio clip. Fadnavis and the party will take due action against Todsam if the allegations are found to be true.’’
In the audio clip, which has been viral since Thursday afternoon, Todsam is heard allegedly warning Sharma to “do everything before his dues are cleared. The next time for payments to be cleared, speak to the officers and do as they say, if you want to work in my area.’’
Todsam admitted that it was his voice in the audio clip but alleged that it was a conspiracy against him. ‘’I called up Sharma in the presence of two Zilla Parishad officers who complained about inferior quality of work being carried out by him. I wanted Sharma to improve quality and to tell him him that work would be stopped if it did not happen. During the entire conversation, there was no demand for money,’’ he insisted.
However, Sharma insisted the demand was made. “I have been this profession for 45 years and have never paid bribe. I have bagged the contract through the bidding process. There was no question of agreeing to Todsam’s demand for money. I have filed a complaint with the local police, who must act now. It is the responsibility of the police to protect me,’’ he added. He also demanded that the party ask for Todsam’s resignation
Sharma, in the audio clip, is heard pleading with Todsam to consider his inability to shell out money as his son has been in coma for nine months. Thereafter, Sharma is also heard saying that he will take up the issue with the BJP minister from Yavatmal, Madan Yerawar. After this, Todsam is heard asking Sharma if he was threatening him, and tells him he will speak to the Chief Minister.
