BJP MP booked for seeking votes over religion and violation of election code

Tejasvi Surya, the Member of Parliament for Bengaluru South representing the BJP, has been booked by the Chief Election Officer (CEO) of Karnataka for allegedly violating the election code of conduct by allegedly "seeking votes" in the name of religion.

The case against Surya was filed under Section 123(3) of the Representation of People Act.

According to the CEO, the complaint was lodged against Surya for posting a video on the social media platform "X" and soliciting votes based on religious grounds. Section 123(3) of the Representation of People Act explicitly prohibits candidates from seeking votes using religious symbols.

During the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections, Surya took to social media to encourage voter turnout. In one of his posts on "X," he referenced the Ram temple and urged people to vote for the BJP.

"Our generation was blessed to witness the majestic Surya Tilak on Bhagwan Shri Ram at Ayodhya on Ram Navami. A wait for almost 500 years & a wish of crores of Bharatiyas was fulfilled by PM Shri @narendramodi Ji. For Bharatiyata to survive, vote for BJP!," he stated in his post.

The incident has sparked controversy and raised questions about the use of religious rhetoric in political campaigning. The legal action taken against Surya underscores the importance of adhering to election regulations that aim to maintain fairness and impartiality in the electoral process.