Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru (EP)

Bengaluru, Jun 6: Following JD(S) allegations that chief minister Siddaramaih is luring legislators with Rs 100 crore special grant, the Election Commission of India (EC) has directed the Returning Officer for the Rajya Sabha election to submit a report on the matter.

JD(S) had complained to the EC on May 29, stating that Siddaramaih has indulged in election malpractice by inducing independent MLAs by offering Rs 100 crore special development grant to each of their constituencies. The Congress party had been attempting to get the support of nine independents and MLAs of smaller parties to win third seat in the elections. Third candidate of Congress, K C Ramamurthy needs the support of about 13 non-Congress MLAs for his victory. Meanwhile JD(S) candidate B M Farooq requires the support of 12 non-JD(S) MLAs for his victory.

Twelve MLAs including nine independents had initially pledged their support to Farooq. But they later changed their decision and declared their support to the Congress candidate. Returning Officer S Murthy said that he was examining the complaint and that he would submit the report soon. A sting operation was done by two national news channels on votes for sale recently. The election is scheduled on June 11.

Chief Minister Siddaramaih refuted the allegations that Congress has indulged in horse trading saying that the party does not need other party legislators to get its candidates elected. Defending of fielding a third candidate, he said that the party will still be left with 33 votes after ensuring the victory of two of the party candidates. He denied the party's involvement in the recent sting operation where MLAs were shown striking money deals.