Cash-for-vote scam: MP CM meets former BJP MPs in Tihar Jail

Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today met two former BJP MPs arrested in connection with the cash-for-vote scam in Tihar Prisons in New Delhi and expressed solidarity with them.

Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today met two former BJP MPs arrested in connection with the cash-for-vote scam in Tihar Prisons in New Delhi and expressed solidarity with them.

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"They (Faggan Singh Kulaste and Mahavir Bhagore) are in good spirits. They should have been applauded for exposing corruption to save the UPA government but they have been put behind the bars. We are with them," Chouhan said.

The BJP chief minister, who returned after a nine-day official visit to China today, said there will be an anti-corruption programme to generate awareness among people in the state from Friday. "We will start a protest from September 23 in the state to raise awarenes on corruption and other issues. There will be a rally in Mandla on September 29 on the issue," he said.

The two former BJP MPs along with their colleague Ashok Argal had created a sensation by displaying wads of currency notes worth Rs one crore in the Lok Sabha during the July 2008 trust vote and alleged that the money was given to them to buy their votes.

They had alleged that Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh had offered them the bribe on behalf of the ruling Congress party to save the UPA-I government. Singh has been granted bail on health grounds. Chouhan was accompanied by Madhya Pradesh BJP President Prabhat Jha and Industry Minister Kailash Vijaywargiya during the meeting which lasted for about half an hour.