Liquor recovery snowballs into row

SHIMLA: Recovery of liquor boxes from the rooms occupied by BJP workers in government rest house in Renuka has added fuel to fire in the Renuka bypolls, as Congress leaders have demanded the resignation of chief parliamentary secretary, Sukh Ram Chaudhary on moral grounds. Not stopping here, they have also demanded the ouster of health minister Rajeev Bindal and transport minister Mahinder Singh Thakur from the state cabinet.
On Saturday night, on the complaint of Congress leaders, cops had raided the rest house of Renuka VIkas Board from where around 30 liquor boxes were recovered from the bathroom of a room reportedly booked in the name of a BJP supporter. Now, Congress leaders are claiming that the chief parliamentary secretary was involved in the transportation of liquor. Rathore, while addressing mediapersons here said, BJP is using muscle and money power to win Renuka seat, which is evident from the recent seizure of consignment of liquor from the rest house.
"As Sukh Ram Chaudhary is involved in the illegal transportation of liquor for Renuka bypolls, we demand his immediate resignation on moral grounds," he added
Congress leaders alleged that Sukh Ram Chaudhary, who was present in the rest house when the police raided it on the complaint of Congress workers. "We have written to the Election Commission of India and chief electoral officer to take strong note of the matter, " he said.
Accusing BJP of adopting double standard, Rathore said recovery of liquor bottles from the rest houses within the temple complex and dumping of bottles in the Renuka lake has exposed the BJP.
Chairman of Congress media cell Mukesh Agnihotri said BJP is desperate to win the Renuka seat which is evident from the resident episode of money distribution among voters and now liquor distribution to woo the electorate. He said BJP ministers and leaders are violating model code of conduct and are misusing official machinery.
Kuldeep Singh Pathania, MLA from Bhatiyat in Chamba, told reporters in Renuka wherein he demanded the transfer of Sirmaur deputy commissioner Meera Mohanty and SP Puneeta Bhardwaj to ensure free and fair election. Cops have started probe into the allegations made by Congress.