The Jharkhand State Congress Committee has lodged a complaint against BJP national vice-president and former chief minister Raghubar Das for using foul language against leaders of the JMM-Congress alliance during the Bermo by-election campaign.

They have also produced a video clip that went viral, and shows Das using unparliamentary language.

A team of Congress leaders, headed state co-working president, Rajesh Thakur submitted a complaint letter to election officer cum SDO, Bermo, Anant Kumar. The letter requests to register a case of violation of model code of conduct against Das.

“Congress leaders have complained against Raghubar Das for using foul language during the campaign. I have initiated an inquiry in which the video footage of the function will be examined. We will take appropriate action in this connection once the report comes,” the SDO told The Telegraph Online.

The complaint letter mentions a ‘Women Chaupal’ organised by BJP in Tiro village under Jaridih block of Bokaro on Saturday, October 17. Das, while addressing voters, said “It’s because you keep quiet these chottas (petty thieves­) are ruling.”

Thakur said BJP has now started using abusive words as they are in panic fearing defeat. “The way Raghuvar Das has used abusive words during election campaigns organised exclusively for women is disgraceful,” he remarked.

Congress spokesperson Amulya Neeraj Khalko said Das is trying to humiliate the elected coalition government by making statements that are irrelevant.

Congress state president Rameshwar Oraon said, “Das does not have the proper language to speak. He uses foul words indiscriminately. When he was CM, he used foul words against bureaucrats and officials. During his tenure, many IAS and IPS officers have been disrespected. I strongly condemned his statements.”

Das retorts 

Raghubar Das. Telegraph file photo

In retaliation, Das said that he can’t help if his words pinch someone. He alleged that JMM-Congress leaders have been calling PM Modi ‘chor’ (thief) in their campaigns.

“If the word ‘chor’ is parliamentary, what’s the problem with ‘chotta’?” he remarked.

“I have been vocal about rising corruption and lawlessness in the state, may it be the illegal mining of coal and sand, transfer postings done in exchange of money, or the numerous incident of rapes and violence against women. And they are trying to get me investigated,” Das exclaimed.