Jaipur: The election department of Rajasthan, taking cognisance of the complaint lodged by the Congress party against BJP’s Jhunjhunu candidate Narendra Khichar for his controversial remarks where he was heard telling the party workers to have an “extra peg of alcohol” after ensuring five more votes for him each day, has initiated action in the matter.The Congress party in its complaint to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Anand Kumar said that Khichar’s remarks were a violation of model code of conduct (MCC) and demanded appropriate legal action against the BJP candidate. “Luring voters or the workers/supporters to increase votes is a punishable offence,” said Congress spokesperson Sushil Sharma in a complaint sent to CEO through Whatsapp. The video was also sent to the CEO.The CEO forwarded the complaint to Jhunjhunu election officer and collector Ravi Jain for investigation. “I have asked for the transcript of his remarks. I will look into it and see if it is a violation of MCC or if the candidate has tried to lure the workers. Only after examining it, will I take action,” Jain told TOI.A video, which went viral, saw Khichar motivating BJP workers by saying, “If any person helps in increasing vote, his soul will be happy. If you add five more votes each day, you may feel hungry in the evening ... have one extra peg of alcohol.” He also said those who don’t vote for the BJP, don’t belong to this country. “Those who don’t vote for me and instead vote for others should hang their heads in shame,” he added.Khichar, who is currently an MLA from Mandwa, has replaced Santosh Ahlawat, the only woman parliamentarian from Rajasthan in the last Lok Sabha.The Congress also urged CEO to ensure scouts guides are replaced by police forces during elections. He said RSS workers had worked as scouts guides during assembly elections in Banswara-Dungarpur.

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