The Congress on Saturday alleged that the BJP's "Operation Lotus" in Jharkhand has been exposed after three party MLAs were caught with huge amount of cash in West Bengal's Howrah. The Congress has been accusing the BJP of trying to topple its coalition government led by Hemant Soren in Jharkhand.
A huge amount of cash was recovered from an SUV in which the Congress MLAs were travelling.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
"The BJP's 'Operation Lotus' in Jharkhand stands exposed tonight in Howrah. The game plan of 'Hum Do' in Delhi is to do in Jharkhand what they did in Maharashtra by installing E-D duo," Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said on Twitter.
Police stopped a car ferrying three Congress MLAs – Irfan Ansari from Jamtara, Rajesh Kachhap from Khijri and Naman Bixal from Kolebira – on National Highway-16 at Ranihati in Panchla police station area.
"Acting on specific information, we intercepted the vehicle. There were three MLAs from Jharkhand in the vehicle. There was huge amount of cash in the vehicle. We are bringing in currency note counting machines. The legislators are being questioned," Howrah Superintendent of Police (Rural) Swati Bhangalia said
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
{{^usCountry}}
There were five persons in the vehicle, including the driver and the three MLAs.
{{/usCountry}}
{{#usCountry}}
There were five persons in the vehicle, including the driver and the three MLAs.
{{/usCountry}}
"Cash counting machines are being brought in to ascertain the total amount. The MLAs are also being questioned about the source of the money and where it was being taken to," PTI quoted the official as saying.
Jharkhand Congress chief Rajesh Thakur said it won't be reasonable to talk about it till probe is done, adding that the nabbed MLAs can better explain the matter, reported ANI. He said that the party will submit a report to the high command and no one will be spared.
“Everyone saw how Assam become the focal point to topple governments, drama happened for 15 days and ultimately the Maharashtra govt was toppled... this indicates that there's a conspiracy to destabilize the Jharkhand govt,” the Jharkhand Congress chief said, adding that things will be clearer in coming times.
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.
Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.
Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.
Home/India News/Congress alleges 'Operation Lotus' as 3 J'khand MLAs caught with cash in Bengal
{{^htLoading}}
Advertisement
{{/htLoading}}
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
{{#usCountry}}{{/usCountry}}
Hindustantimes wants to start sending you push notifications. Click allow to subscribe
