Infamous Judeo episode may prove costly for BJP

The infamous Judeo episode may have led to BJP losing its campaign punchline--charges of corruption against Ajit Jogi.

The cash on camera scam involving former Union Minister Dilip Singh Judeo may have led to BJP losing its campaign punchline--allegation of corruption and legal impropriety against the Chief Minister Ajit Jogi in Chhattisgarh.

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But what are the ramifications of the controversy on the December 1 elections to the state assembly and what is the common man's reaction to it? Politically the controversy could not have come at a more opportune time for Jogi. BJP on its part, had swung into a damage control exercise with Judeo resigning from the Union ministry and the Centre ordering a CBI probe into the affair.

In the run up to the elections, both Congress and BJP are trading charges against each other but the people have expressed a strong dislike for the "increasing greed" of the political class. 

In Marwahi, the constituency of Jogi, a tea stall owner Ramesh Baghel was ignorant about the much-talked about tape. "I am not aware about it" was his candid reply when he was asked about the controversy.

But Gajendra Sahu, a high school teacher in Seoni was full of anger against the political class indulging in large-scale corruption. "Sabhi neta log aise hi hote hain" (all leaders are like this), he said with contempt.

but in Bilaspur, Prabhakar Honap, a retired employee of Indian Railways claimed that the entire controversy smacks of politics. 

"Since elections are round the corner, everybody is discussing it but after the polls, nobody will remember it," he said nonchalantly.

But the reaction of Raipur-based Ajit Verma, who recently completed his MBA was pragmatic.

"Nowadays it is not possible to run a family with the income of a single member. How can a political party be run without seeking money from industrialists," he asked.

But the controversy would not have any impact on the elections. Here development of the newly-carved state, poverty and unemployment are the major issues, they said.