Karnataka: Modi accuses Congress of trying to win polls by using fake voter ID cards

Referring to the seizure of voter ID cards, Modi said people will not forgive Congress' "attempt" to win elections by "using" fake ID cards. Photo: PTI

BENGALURU: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday blamed the Congress for the nearly 10,000 voter ID cards that were seized from a flat in Raj Rajeshwari Assembly seat, three days ahead of Karnataka assembly elections. Referring to the seizure of voter ID cards, Modi said people will not forgive Congress' "attempt" to win elections by "using" bogus ID cards. "Making multiple fake voter ID Cards to win elections is a tactic of Congress. People should never forgive such a party. Fearing a crushing defeat, Congress is indulging in all kinds of malpractices," Modi told a public gathering in Chikkamagaluru.

Making multiple fake voter ID Cards to win elections is the tactic of Congress, people should never forgive such party. Fearing a crushing defeat, Congress is indulging in all kinds of malpractices: PM Narendra Modi in Chikkamagaluru #KarnatakaElection pic.twitter.com/RdsINf641z

— ANI (@ANI) May 9, 2018

The state's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sanjiv Kumar late Tuesday night said 9,746 voter cards were seized from a flat in Raja Rajeshwari Nagar. Both Congress and BJP claimed the flat belonged to a woman associated with the rival party. Union minister Prakash Javadekar has alleged Congress candidate and sitting MLA Munirathna Naidu was behind the alleged racket. Congress communication in-charge Rajdeep Singh Surjewala has claimed that the flat owner Manjula Nanjamari is associated with the BJP. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah refused to comment on the issue, saying he didn't know anything about it. "I don't know anything about this, there is Election Commission to look into it," he said. Meanwhile, the BJP demanded countermanding of polls in Raja Rajeshwari Nagar Assembly constituency.