BJP Paying People to Gather Crowds in Ayodhya?
A video shared on Twitter shows men carrying BJP flags say that they were paid Rs 250–400 to be part of the procession.
A video clip shared on Twitter shows several people, reportedly participating in a BJP rally in Ayodhya, admitting that they have been paid to do the same.
अयोध्या में भेजे गये
300/- 400/- रुपए मे खरीदे हुवे मजदूर.. pic.twitter.com/i5Xqv0ch6h— TheAgeOfBananas (@iScrew) November 28, 2018
The person shooting the video spoke to five people — who were holding the party’s flag as part of a rally — and all claimed that they were paid between Rs 250 to 400 to attend the event. All hailed from different villages.
When asked, “How much money did you get get?” the first person smiles, lifts three fingers and says, “Three hundred.”
A second man carrying the party flag says that he had received Rs 400.
Also Read: Ayodhya: Thousands are Descending to Demand Ram Mandir But City’s Residents Want Jobs
A third person, when asked the same question, said, “(They have told) Rs 300.”
A fourth person also quoted Rs 300. He also mentions the area that he was brought in from, however, it is inaudible in the video.
A fifth person, a relatively elderly man, is seen saying that he had been paid Rs 250.
Right-wing and Hindutva groups are flooding into Ayodhya, organising rallies and events to demand construction of ‘Ram Mandir’ at the disputed site. Several activists and opposition parties have termed the Ram Mandir agitation a ‘political gimmick’ by the BJP-RSS to distract voters ahead of elections.