The Election Commission on Monday ordered a probe against Bihar Excise Minister Awadhesh Kushwaha, who resigned after a sting video surfaced online on Sunday showing him allegedly accepting a bribe from a Mumbai-based businessman in return for favours.
"EC directs concerned District Magistrate to probe into alleged sting involving former Bihar Cabinet Minister Awadhesh Kushwaha," ANI tweeted.
Senior JD(U) minister Kushwaha met with Nitish Kumar after the controversy erupted and tendered his resignation from the post of Urban Development and Registration, Excise and Prohibition Ministry.
"I have sent in my resignation after talking to the Chief Minister after allegations of accepting Rs 4 lakh cropped up," Kushwaha told PTI. "I requested the Chief Minister that I am a senior minister and I can not continue in the office in the wake of such serious allegations."
JD(U) national president Sharad Yadav told reporters on Sunday that they will field another candidate from Pipra assembly constituency in East Champaran district from where Kushwaha was contesting earlier.
Kushwaha has, however, denied the allegations claiming that the sting operation is "a high-level" conspiracy by his political rivals. He has said that he will bring out the truth before the people.
Conspiracy by my political opponents;will try to bring out the truth before people:Awadhesh Kushwaha on alleged sting pic.twitter.com/JCF4m0pU0z
— ANI (@ANI_news) October 12, 2015
The video was uploaded on YouTube by the user named JaiHind Bihar. In the video, a businessman hands over wads of currency notes to Kushwaha after he tells the former that crores of rupees are required during elections. Kushwaha assures the businessman his work will be completed after the grand alliance returns to power.
