Axe Karnataka Deputy CM for bribing voters, Cong demands

The Karnataka Congress in a letter to Governor Vajubhai Vala complained against Deputy Chief Minister Govind Karajola, here on Thursday, and sought his dismissal for distributing cash to voters.

"Karajola, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in-charge of the Athani Assembly seat, distributed cash to voters on November 26 to woo them to vote for Mahesh Kamatalli," said Congress leader Prakash Rathod in the letter.

Rathod said the cash distribution occurred at Kamatalli's residence after a rally led by BJP state chief Nalin Kumar Kateel, which was also attended by Karajola.

"Karajola has been videographed distributing money to workers. This was telecast by most electronic and other media," said Rathod furnishing the video clipping to the Governor's office in a pen drive.

According to the MLC, Karajola observed the act being captured on a camera and asked the recorder not to circulate it.

The Congress said Karajola violated Section 171(C) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 123(1)(A) of the Representation of Peoples Act 1951, including the model code of conduct.

The Congress also complained to Vala about the governance coming to a standstill on account of the BJP government keeping itself busy for the 15 Assembly by-elections. Votes will be casted on December 5.

Rathod said as the BJP had assigned election work to all Ministers, they were neither available in the Assembly nor in their offices to resolve public grievances. "The administration has come to a standstill," said Rathod.

Even Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa was too busy with by-elections to provide governance, he said and added, even most officers were not available for their office works.

Seeking action, the Congress also furnished the letters written to the Chief Election Commissioner through the Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer seeking action for model of conduct violation.

Vala is currently in Fortis hospital following a surgery.IANS