Join Congress and get your projects funded: MP minister

Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Bala Bachchan has been caught on camera asking people in his constituency to join the Congress if they want the state government to fund social projects in their area.

A video showing the minister trying to strike a bargain with a congregation on Monday has gone viral on social media. The viral video expectedly caused a new controversy in the state with the BJP strongly condemning the minister's call, terming it a misuse of his post.

Bala Bachchan, a four-time MLA from Rajpur in Barwani district, was addressing an honour ceremony organised by the Patil Samaj in Jalgaon village in his constituency.

The minister was replying to questions by the villagers, who demanded money for development works.

"I will give more (amount) than what you are asking for. Think first and join the Congress, because we have to answer all those (party workers). We are not going to be fooled every time. We have got roads worth Rs 50 crore approved where we have got the lead of votes," Bachchan ssaid.

The minister also said that funds were allotted to each village and people vowed to vote in their favour, but elections results showed they were lying.

Bachchan later said that his words were misrepresented as he was addressing Congressmen.

BJP spokesperson Rajneesh Agarwal disputed the minister. He said the speech was made before the Patel Samaj convention and the minister had specifically said that people had not voted for the party. The BJP will take up the matter with the Governor, he said.IANS