Viral Video: BJP MLA Claiming She Gave Money to Journalists

Several journalists in Anupgarh confirmed that they had received envelopes with Rs 11,000 in cash from the MLA.

A video screenshot showing Rajasthan BJP MLA Shimla Bawri purportedly saying she gave money to journalists before elections. (Photo Courtesy: YouTube Screenshot)

A BJP MLA in Rajasthan has stoked a controversy by reportedly claiming in a public function that she had offered “envelops”, purportedly containing cash, to local journalists during election which were accepted by all but three who returned them.

A video of the public function purportedly showing BJP MLA from Anupgarh in Sriganganagar district Shimla Bawri making the controversial statement on July 18 went viral on social networking sites.

The MLA has, however, said that she did not claim such things and that the video was doctored.

In the video, the MLA is seen claiming that she during the Assembly election campaign offered envelops to local journalists in Ravla, Ghadsana and Anupgarh but three scribes of Anupgarh returned the envelops saying they would take it only if she got elected as the MLA.

She suggested the journalists to understand the value of their profession. The MLA was speaking at her felicitation programme held in Anupgarh on July 18.

Opposing the statement, local journalists submitted a memorandum, addressed to the chief minister and the Election Commission, to the district collector and sought action against the MLA.

(With inputs from PTI)

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