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Koda dares investigators; kicks off poll campaign |
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By: IANS |
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Date:
2009-11-15 |
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Place: Ranchi |
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Former chief minister Madhu Koda, on Saturday kicked off his campaign for the Jharkhand assembly polls, telling hundreds of supporters he would quit politics if charges against him in a Rs 2,500 crore money laundering scam were proved.
"I fear I could be killed by conspirators. I will quit politics if investigation agencies prove that I invested in foreign countries or purchased land or mines in foreign countries. There is a conspiracy to keep me away from assembly elections as people are jealous of my (political) growth," Koda told reporters in Chaibasa.
His supporters have floated the Jharkhand Navnirman Morcha (JNM) and announced the names of five candidates to contest the coming polls starting November 25. Geeta Koda, his wife, is a nominee from the Jaggarnathpur constituency. In Jharkhand, a party with three to four seats can end up being the kingmaker.
Koda, who was in hospital for several days, appeared to be in good health as he met supporters and took part in various programmes.
The IT department and Enforcement Directorate (ED) have conducted raids at 69 places in eight Indian cities, including Koda's home, since Oct 31. Koda insists the raids were motivated.
A diary of Koda seized by the IT department reportedly names many Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leaders.
Koda initially managed to avoid questioning by the IT department as he was admitted to Apollo Hospital on November 3.
"I have faith in the judicial system and I will cooperate with the investigation agencies," said Koda.
He also dismissed allegations that he purchased 500 to 600 bikes and 25 to 30 Scorpios ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. |
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