Indore, Bhopal:
In a major embarrassment for the BJP in Madhya Pradesh, Ramesh Khateek, the BJP MLA from the state's Shivpuri district has been allegedly caught on tape accepting a bribe of ten thousand rupees to help a businessman from Indore open an engineering college in his constituency.
MLA: How many of you are there?
Ajeet: Eight of us.
MLA: Ok. I will try to get you government land as well as all the other facilities that you need from time to time.
Ajeet: We have seen a plot of land in your area.
MLA: OK
Ajeet, a businessman from Indore had been trying unsuccessfully for the past six months to start an engineering college in Karera, the BJP MLA's constituency in Shivpuri. The reason, land is cheaper here and access is easier.
When Ajeet approached the MLA for help in the form of a recommendation letter, the MLA allegedly said it would cost him five lakh rupees.
Ajeet: The recommendation letter?
MLA: I will arrange it but you keep paying from time to time, all the facilities will be provided.
MLA: Where do you want the land?
Ajeet: Next to the four lane highway or half a kilometre inside will also do.
MLA: Identify land which is next to government land and I will get that also allotted.
Since the sting operation came out, the MLA has ducked the media but it's a huge embarrassment for the BJP.
"We have asked for the CD that is being flashed. We will check it for authenticity then the matter will come up in the party," said Narrotam Mishra, Minister for Parliamentary Affair, government Spokesperson, Madhya Pradesh.
With thirteen state ministers under the Lokayukta's scanner for corruption, the sting operation couldn't have come at a worse time for the ruling party.