Former MLC and Congress leader, Vikramaditya Singh said that he was shocked and saddened to learn of the alleged attempt of J&K BJP, its MLC and State president to bribe journalists in Leh for favourable media coverage during the election. Appreciating the action taken by the journalists in Leh who rejected this attempt of bribery by the BJP leaders and publicly protested against this corrupt practice of the BJP, Vikramaditya expressed solidarity with the Leh Journalists for their exemplary action in protecting the free and fair press. Vikramaditya further said that the public, authorities and media must unite to support and stand-by such journalists who are fighting to uphold the honesty and integrity of the media and press despite big challenges. He also urged the Election Commission and the J&K police to initiate a swift investigation into the matter and take appropriate action against those guilty for the offence and violation of law and Model Code of Conduct. “It is a matter of shame for the BJP that such senior leaders of their in the State could be involved in such corrupt practices while BJP central leaders continue to make claims of zero corruption and clean governance during the Modi Government,” he added. The Congress leader said that the CCTV footage of the event went viral on social media which showed BJP leaders, including the BJP State president and a BJP MLC, distributing envelopes among journalists. In a video message to several national media channels, the Leh journalists alleged that the envelopes contained several notes in Rs 500 denomination which they left behind or returned to the BJP leaders.
