Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (DC)

Udupi, Mar 28: The district officials on Wednesday March 28 seized district in-charge minister Pramod Madhwaraj's campaign vehicle.

The team led by probationary IAS officer Poovitha seized the vehicle for using it for campaigning without permission.

The campaign vehicle has a party symbol and minister's picture on it. It is alleged that the vehicle was used for campaigning ahead of Assembly polls without getting prior permission.

Confirming the news to Daijiworld, IAS officer Poovitha said, "Licence was issued until March 31. Since the model code of conduct came into effect soon after the Election Commission declared Karnataka election dates on March 27, they were supposed to renew the vehicle licence, which they did not. As per IPC section, for violation of model of conduct by exposing the vehicle to the public, the officials seized it. The driver and the party are at fault. Under Media Certification Monitoring Commitee, action has been taken by the officials and court will decide the further course of action."

FIR registering process against Block Congress president and the committee is under process, she added.

The campaign vehicle had run into controversy over absence of Congress symbol and pictures of party leaders on the vehicle, stirring speculations of Madhwaraj joining the BJP. A picture of Pramod Madhwaraj was displayed prominently on it with the message: ‘The leader who walked the talk’. ‘My step towards development, let your step be with mine’ was also inscribed on the campaign vehicle. He was criticized for not reflecting any achievements of the government on the vehicle. However, Madhwaraj dismissed all speculations saying the video played inside the vehicle was all about Congress, and that his fans had arranged the vehicle.

Later, the Congress symbol was appeared alongside Madhwaraj's picture.