Biscuit Bribe Blunder: Candidate in Hot Water

A BJP-backed candidate in Jharkhand's municipal elections has been accused of violating election rules by distributing biscuits, his election symbol, to voters. Authorities have registered a case against him, stressing that any voter inducement is banned. Investigations are underway following a complaint from an election duty magistrate.

A BJP-backed candidate contesting the Chaibasa Nagar Parishad chairperson's post has landed in trouble for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct. Police reported on Sunday that the candidate, Ramesh Khirwal, has been accused of distributing biscuits, which is his designated election symbol, among voters.

The case was registered at Chaibasa Sadar Police Station after a complaint by civic election duty magistrate Sandeep Ram. Officer-in-Charge Tarun Kumar confirmed the registration of the case, noting that distributing any form of inducement to voters is against election regulations.

As per the Jharkhand State Election Commission's notification, elections for 48 civic bodies will occur on February 23, with vote counting scheduled for February 27. The incident is under investigation, with authorities requiring proof to substantiate the allegations before taking further action.

(With inputs from agencies.)