Is Karnataka BJP Really Approaching EC Over 'Vote Fraud' Claims Against CM Siddaramaiah?

Bengaluru, Aug 18 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP has declared its intention to contact the State Election Commission concerning claims of vote-buying involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The announcement was made by Karnataka BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra at the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru.

When asked about the remarks of former senior Congress leader C.M. Ibrahim and an alleged audio recording of Congress MLA Shivalinge Gowda, in which he discusses the purchase of votes, Vijayendra stated, “Two matters are at hand — one pertaining to MLA Shivalinge Gowda’s remarks and the other concerning C.M. Ibrahim, a close ally of Siddaramaiah. Ibrahim has asserted that votes were bought in the Assembly election where Siddaramaiah secured victory by a slim margin.”

“CM Siddaramaiah won with a margin of merely 2,000 to 3,000 votes in that pivotal Assembly election. The BJP is taking this matter seriously. We plan to approach the State Election Commission by tomorrow or the day after to demand a comprehensive investigation,” Vijayendra indicated.

It is worth noting that BJP Rajya Sabha member Lahar Singh Siroya recently filed a complaint with the ECI regarding C.M. Ibrahim’s assertion that 3,000 votes were purchased for CM Siddaramaiah in 2018.

On Sunday, Lahar Singh called on the Election Commission of India to investigate an audio clip allegedly featuring Arasikere Congress MLA Shivalinge Gowda, who claimed that money was distributed in the Hassan constituency during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

He also referenced another supposed audio clip in which MLA Shivalinge Gowda is heard conversing, seemingly with a Congress Rajya Sabha MP, about the amount of money to be disbursed per voter in the Hassan parliamentary seat to ensure the party candidate’s success.

With the Karnataka BJP unit now opting to approach the State Election Commission, the controversy over alleged vote-buying is expected to escalate between the ruling Congress and the BJP.

Commenting on the state's financial situation, Vijayendra alleged that Karnataka's finances have deteriorated to the point where the government cannot disburse pensions for freedom fighters. “The government has withheld Rs 4.08 crore in this regard. When we query this, CM Siddaramaiah asserts that the state economy is flourishing. The financial condition is so dire that the government cannot release funds even from the CM’s relief fund. The CM must provide answers,” he urged.

Regarding the Tungabhadra dam situation, Vijayendra mentioned that in August of the previous year, the 19th crest gate failed, causing distress among farmers. “Thousands of cusecs of water intended for year-round use were wasted. The government has yet to implement a permanent solution. Due to this delay, pressure has shifted to other crest gates, necessitating immediate replacement of all 33 gates of the Tungabhadra dam,” he emphasized.

He added that farmers in Koppal, Raichur, and Ballari districts, who previously cultivated two crops, are now forced to grow only one due to the negligence of the state government and its ministers. “In the midst of this, Minister Shivraj Tangadgi has blamed the central government. We will raise this issue and hold the state government accountable,” he stated.

“After the 19th crest gate failure at the Tungabhadra dam last year, only a temporary fix was put in place. There was no proper follow-up from the irrigation minister, the district in-charge minister, or the state government. Due to this negligence, all gates are now at risk. The Tungabhadra Board was established in 1953, not under a BJP-led administration,” Vijayendra pointed out.

“I urge the state government to address this issue swiftly. The government’s irresponsibility has placed farmers in distress, leading to protests,” he added.

Last year, the 19th crest gate was washed away, resulting in significant water discharge, and a temporary gate was installed following a week-long operation.