Cong, BJP file poll code breach complaints against each other

Bengaluru: In Karnataka, BJP and Congress lodges complaints against each other with the Election Commission over Model Code of Conduct breaches, reports PTI.

Congress alleged that there were inducement materials like cookers were found at Byatarayanapura in Bengaluru, while BJP's complaint alleged that former chief minister Siddaramaiah distributed cash in Varuna in Mysuru.

According to the complaint by Congress candidate and former minister Krishna Byre Gowda, GST officers raided a premise six days ago and seized the inducement material worth ₹ 3.6 crores. The BJP MLC Chalavadi Narayanaswamy's complaint on Wednesday alleged that Siddaramaiah went to his constituency and distributed money. The former chief minister of Karnataka BS Yediyurappa hinted on Thursday that his son might contest against Congress veteran Siddaramaiah at Varuna.

Meanwhile, Congress state president D K Shivakumar landed in trouble for allegedly throwing cash among people during an election campaign in Mandya on Tuesday. The police registered a non-cognisable offence against him.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday announced the schedule for the upcoming Karnataka Assembly elections. The polling will be held in the state on May 10 in a single phase, followed by the declaration of results on May 13. The term of the 224-member Assembly ends on May 24. ECI officials held a press conference at Plenary Hall, Vigyan Bjawan, in Delhi on Wednesday. Election Commissioner of India Anup Chandra Pandey, Chief election commissioner Rajiv Kumar, and ECI Arun Goel announced the final schedule of Karnataka Assembly polls at 11:30 am on Wednesday.