EC zeroes in on ‘black money’ seats, identifies 62 constituencies in Bihar

Patna: More than 25 per cent of Bihar’s 243 constituencies are vulnerable to the use of black money by candidates and their supporters for wooing voters. Additional chief electoral officer R Lakshmanan on Thursday said EC has identified 62 such constituencies which are spread over 25 districts.

“We are keeping a close watch on movement of cash all over the state. The West Champaran district administration has seized fake currency totalling Rs 10 lakh. We are trying to ascertain if it had anything to do with elections,” said Lakshmanan. Police sources said two members of an international gang of smugglers were arrested with the fake currency.

RJD supremo Lalu Prasad took the opportunity to target BJP over the black money issue saying: “I have been saying that BJP can bring in black money via Nepal and distribute it among the gullible people to influence voting. Now I suggest that everyone should be cautious because if they take money to vote for them (BJP) and it turns out to be fake, police will book them for smuggling.”

Of the 62 constituencies identified by EC, maximum six are in Bhojpur district, followed by fi ve each in Muzaffarpur and Saran, four in Buxar, three each in Sitamarhi, Katihar, Bhagalpur, Rohtas and Munger.

Courtesy: TNN