Kolkata, Aug. 25 -- In the backdrop of allegations of extortion involving his party men, the state BJP president Samik Bhattacharya has issued an "urgent warning" to party workers and leaders alike, directing them to "maintain transparency" and "refrain from any activity that could damage the party's image", sources said.
A message from Bhattacharya circulated through the BJP's organisational WhatsApp groups, stressing the party's "zero-tolerance" approach towards corruption. Addressing all the BJP functionaries and workers as "brothers and sisters" at the state, district, mandal and booth levels, Bhattacharya said that no misconduct will be allowed by any person who is under the fold of BJP. Bhattacharya also pointed out that honesty, transparency and ideology were the party's core driving forces and these will not be compromised under any circumstances.
Bhattacharya also warned that if any individual goes beyond party principles and indulges in corrupt practices, the party will take action. Bhattacharya also warned that strict organisational and legal action will be taken against those who indulge in any sort of misconduct or extortion.
"If anyone, going beyond the party's principles, becomes involved in any unethical or corrupt activity, the party will never take responsibility for it," he said. Information relating to some undesirable activities and irregularities involving workers at different levels has come to my notice through letters recently," he said.
The BJP central leaders, accompanied by the state leaders, will tour districts to curb any sorts of extortion. Over 22 functionaries, including mandal presidents, have been suspended and hundreds of show-cause notices have been issued across districts.
The party has also published various toll-free numbers where people can directly register complaints. In case of cut money-related complaints, people can call at 155334 and for syndicate corruption, one can call at 155335. In case of illegal tolls, people can call 155337 and illegal liquor-selling complaints can be registered by calling 155339.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.