EC files FIRs against Karnataka Dy CM Shivakumar, BJP’s Vijayendra, JDS’ Kumaraswamy
While the senior Congress leader has been booked for offering water supply from the Cauvery in lieu of votes, the state BJP chief has been accused of making derogatory remarks
Taking a strong exception to the violation of Model Code of Conduct (MCC), the Election Commission (EC) on Saturday (April 20) registered FIRs against senior Congress leader and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, state BJP chief BY Vijayendra and JD(S) leader and former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy.
In its FIR lodged under Section 171(B)(C)(E)(F) of Indian Penal Code (IPC) against Shivakumar, the EC has accused the Congress leader of bribing voters of a housing society. “An FIR is lodged by the FST of Bengaluru against Dy. Chief Minister DK Shivakumar for violation of MCC while addressing apartment owners in RR Nagara. The FIR No.78/2024 at RMC Yard PS is lodged u/s 171(B)(C)(E)(F) of IPC for bribery and undue influence at elections,” Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka said in a tweet on X.
'I’ll give you Cauvery water'
The EC’s action against Shivakumar came after a video clip surfaced where the senior Congress leader was heard asking the residents of a housing society in RR Nagara of Bengaluru to vote for his brother while promising them he would ensure the water supply from the Cauvery river. “I am here for a business meeting. You want Cauvery water and the CA site. All other issues are small. If I get these done, what will you do to me? I spoke to the commissioner about this issue. I asked what can be done. I believe in sharing and caring," NDTV quoted Shivakumar as telling the voters in his address caught in the video clip.
He is next heard saying, “You have to share your confidence with me so I can care for you. You have voted by booth, not by candidate. I am DCM, Minister for BDA, Bengaluru, and water – everything I am here. Everything is in your pockets. I have come to your house, make use of me, vote for me. Within two/three months, I'll get these done."
Shivakumar’s brother DK Suresh is a Congress MP and seeking re-election from Bengaluru Rural.
FIR against BJP chief
JD(S) leader Kumaraswamy drew EC action for allegedly issuing false statements about elections for which an FIR against him has been lodged at the Gubbi police station under Sections 123(4) of the Representation of People (RP) Act and 171(G) of the IPC. “FIR is registered against HD Kumaraswamy of JDS by the FST of Gubbi, Tumkuru on the grounds of false statements in connection with elections. FIR No.149/2024 is registered at Gubbi PS u/s 123(4) of RP Act and 171(G) of IPC,” the sate Chief Electoral Officer wrote in a tweet on X informing about the action.
The EC took a similar action against Vijayendra for posting a derogatory comment on the official handle of the Karnataka BJP and disturbing public harmony. The BJP leader has been booked under Sections 125 of RP Act and 505 and 153(A) of IPC.
“FIR is lodged by FST of Bengaluru against B Y Vijayendra, State President, for a derogatory post posted on official X handle of BJP Karnataka on 19.04.24. The FIR No.60/2024 at Malleshwaram PS is lodged u/s 125 of RP Act and 505, 153(A) of IPC on disturbing public tranquility,” the state Chief Electoral Officer said on X.
The Lok Sabha elections will be held in Karnataka in two phases on April 26 and May 7.
