The National Federation Party leader Biman Prasad has sidestepped the issue of whether the Party has followed up allegations of inciting religious tensions against one of their provisional candidates.

Four people came forward and gave statements that NFP provisional candidate Pradeep Chandra had allegedly said Fiji will be taken over by Muslims, amongst other comments.

Mr Prasad was asked whether the NFP management had done independent investigations into the allegations.

They did not. Instead the NFP is happy with the explanation furnished by its candidate.

Neither Mr Prasad nor NFP president Pio Tikoduadua reached out to those who made the allegations. There is no record of any other senior NFP member reaching out to the four Fijians.

Mr Prasad instead has accused the four of having political bias.

“The Fiji Sun knows, because you have reported it, that Mr Chandra has rejected your allegations. We have discussed the allegations with Mr Chandra. We are satisfied that the Fiji Sun’s allegations are false.”

Despite pointing out that these Fijians made allegations, Mr Prasad has adopted a strategy to call it Fiji Sun’s allegations. There has not been any reference to the fact that the same people have also confirmed their allegations to FBC as well.

“Based on the Fiji Sun’s stories, two or three people have made these allegations.  We know the background and political allegiance of one of those people. The others are persons Mr Chandra has never heard of or met.”

This is not the first time a NFP candidate has been embroiled in controversy.

Two provisional candidates had to withdraw their candidacy following rape allegations against them.

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj