Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, May 4: Two separate complaints were filed in the town police station here on Thursday May 3, accusing leaders of two national parties as well as owners of petrol bunks of violating model code of conduct for elections, and enticing voters to vote for particular political parties by providing petrol to scooters and motor bikes free of cost.

BJP district president, Mattaru Ratnakar Hegde, and owner of Laksh Enterprises petrol bunk at Gundibail which allegedly provided petrol to two-wheelers, face allegation of indulging in the above illegal act. At the same time, local block Congress president, Satish Amin Padukere and Indira Petrol Bunk at Santhekatte here, Laksh Enterprises petrol bunk at Gundibail, Bhagirathi Enterprises at Gundibail and Rajarajeshwari Enterprises at Indrali here also face the case for providing petrol free of cost to vehicles of voters with the aim of influencing their voting.

Satish Amin Padukere had sought permission to hold motor bike rally for Congress election campaign. He had been given permission by the district electoral officer on April 15. During the bike rally held on April 22 however, Padukere has been accused of violating model code of conduct and supplying petrol to motor bikes and scooters through various petrol bunks without charging anything.

Mattaru Ratnakar Hegde had sought permission to hold electioneering with the participation of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, at MGM College ground on May 1 this year. The complaint states that he provided petrol free of cost to voters for their motor bikes through various petrol bunks.

The complaints are supported by video footages. The cases were filed against the above two leaders of national parties and owners of certain petrol bunks, after obtaining permission from the court.