Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Jul 18: The state High Court on Friday July 17, ordered issuance of summons to BJP MP from Bellary, J Shanta, defeated candidate of the Congress Party N Y Hanumantappa, Bellary deputy commissioner, who was the returning officer for the election and others. Justice N Anand, who admitted the petition, passed this order. Shanta is facing charges of fighting the election by providing fake caste certificate.

A Congress activist named M Chandre Gowda has filed the petition. He has sought the disqualification of the MP on the ground of furnishing fake caste certificate, committing election irregularities and several other wrongdoings.

Chandre Gowda has claimed that Bellary Lok Sabha constituency was reserved for a candidate from the scheduled tribe this time. Shantha, sister of minister Sriramulu,  is married into Boya community family from Andhra Pradesh. Boya community falls under the category of backward class, both in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The MP had falsely claimed herself to be belonging to scheduled tribe, the petitioner has argued.

He also accused Shanta of getting fake votes castes on the day of the poll and distributing large amounts of cash and liquor prior to the polls.

Chandre Gowda further stated in the petition, that the Congress candidate Hanumantappa was in the lead till the 15th round of counting. At this stage, result declaration was withheld. When inquired, the returning officer did not respond properly. The returning officer connived with Shanta in the irregularities to give a favourable result to her, the applicant averred. The hearing in the case has been deferred.