Priyanka Gandhi, K.C. Venugopal, Kodikkunnil Accused of Seat-Buying Scam

Thiruvananthapuram: Gaurav Kumar, husband of a former General Secretary of the Haryana Mahila Congress, has alleged that senior Congress leaders, including MP Priyanka Gandhi and AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, along with MP Kodikkunnil Suresh, collected crores of rupees from him by promising a seat in the elections for his wife. However, the seat was not allotted. When he asked for the money back, the leaders reportedly said they could not return it, Gaurav Kumar revealed at a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram. He also presented documents proving the payments made to the leaders and has filed a complaint with the DGP.

The allegations pertain to the Bawal Assembly constituency in Haryana, where it is claimed the leaders promised a seat and collected crores of rupees. Money was reportedly given at the Janpath residence to the PAs of Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi. Kodikkunnil Suresh allegedly received Rs 1.60 crore. Money was also given to Anas, the PA of K.C. Venugopal, in Venugopal’s presence.

The leaders had promised that the seat was guaranteed, which prompted the campaign to begin and significant expenditure to be incurred. However, when candidate selection was finalised, the seat was not allotted. Even one and a half years after the election, the money has not been returned. Whenever he requested repayment, the leaders reportedly responded negatively.

Before coming to Kerala, Gaurav Kumar reportedly called Venugopal’s PA, Anas, more than forty times, and was promised some position. However, he said that it was not a position he wanted. Listening to the leaders’ words, he lost over seven crore rupees. Gaurav Kumar emphasised that he and his family have been active Congress workers for 56 years and accused Priyanka Gandhi, Venugopal, and Kodikkunnil Suresh of deceiving people.

The press conference was held in Kerala because all three leaders are MPs from the state. He has also filed a complaint with the DGP, including documents proving the payments.