Election Commission Tells Karnataka Poll Officer To Act Swiftly On Complaint By Deve Gowda On Freebies

The Election Commission's directive, issued on March 21, follows a complaint lodged by former Prime Minister Deve Gowda to the electoral body.

The JD(S) leader has accused the state election machinery of neglecting to promptly address the "corrupt activities" occurring in the Bengaluru (Rural) Lok Sabha seat.

Source : X/@DeveGowda

The Election Commission (EC) has instructed the chief electoral officer of Karnataka to promptly address a complaint filed by JD(S) president H D Deve Gowda. The complainant alleged that Congress MP D K Suresh was orchestrating the distribution of freebies with purported inaction from the state's election apparatus.

In a letter addressed to the state CEO, the EC emphasised the necessity for immediate action in accordance with the model code of conduct and pertinent legislation. Additionally, the Commission requested a prompt submission of a compliance report.

The EC's directive, issued on March 21, follows a complaint lodged by former Prime Minister Gowda to the electoral body.

The JD(S) leader has accused the state election machinery of neglecting to promptly address the "corrupt activities" occurring in the Bengaluru (Rural) Lok Sabha seat. He claimed that despite his concerns, the distribution of freebies continued unchecked, alleging a failure of the field machinery to intervene effectively. 

"There is not only dereliction of duties by the concerned officer but the officers are afraid of taking action against the present MP, who is the brother of D K Shivkumar, deputy chief minister..." Gowda alleged, as per a report on PTI.

In the Bangalore Rural constituency, Dr. C N Manjunath, a renowned cardiac surgeon and son-in-law of former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, will be contesting against the incumbent MP D K Suresh, who is the brother of Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress chief D K Shivakumar.

Manjunath entered the political arena with his candidacy with BJP for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. In Karnataka, JD(S) is contesting the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 in alliance with BJP.

Previously, the JD(S) contested the parliamentary elections in 2019 in alliance with Congress.