#BJP airs sting video to attack Uttarakhand CM Harish Rawat over corruption charges

NEW DELHI: The BJP on Wednesday unleashed a counteroffensive against the Congress releasing a sting tape to ‘expose’ corruption charges against Uttarakhand chief minister Harish Rawat in liquour scam and loot during the devastating 2013 floods.

BJP accused the Congress chief minister of changing state’s excise policy to help private firms, a charge immediately denied by Harish Rawat.

“Uttarakhand CM and his hand-picked personal secretary were involved in liquor scam and loot during Uttarakhand floods,” BJP leader Nirmala Sitharaman said addressing a press conference.
“We have a video proof which shows involvement of Uttarakhand CM’s close confidante in the scam,” she said.

The BJP later played out the sting video, which allegedly showed CM’s private secretary in negotiations with unknown private players.

Reacting to the allegations, Harish Rawat said that the authenticity of the tape has to be ascertained first.

“No private party is involved in liquor trade in the state,” he said denying that he had made any change to the policy.

Stating that state’s policy is very transparent, the chief minister refused to order any probe.