Voter challenges CM Siddaramaiah's election in Karnataka High Court, citing freebies in congress manifesto as electoral malpractice
- In Reports
- 05:41 PM, Jul 22, 2023
- Myind Staff
According to reports, an election petition has been filed before the Karnataka High Court seeking to nullify the 2023 election of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah from the Varuna constituency. The petitioner, KM Shankara, a voter from Varuna, alleges that Siddaramaiah engaged in electoral malpractices during the recently concluded assembly elections in the state.
The matter came up for hearing before Justice S Sunil Dutt Yadav, where the petitioner was asked to address certain objections in the petition. The court has listed the case for further hearing on July 28.
The plea, presented by Senior Advocate Pramila Nesargi, challenges Siddaramaiah's election under Sections 100 (1)(b), (d)(i), (d)(ii), (d)(iii), and (d)(iv) of The Representation of the People Act. As per the petition, the CM is accused of committing various corrupt practices under Sections 123(1)(A)(b)(ii), 123(1)(B)(b), 123(2), 123(4), and 123(6) of the Act.
The petitioner seeks the annulment of Siddaramaiah's election and demands that he be barred from contesting elections for six years due to alleged violations of the Act and the Constitution.
Moreover, the plea highlights the Congress party's election manifesto, which promised five guarantees to the people of Karnataka. These guarantees include provisions such as free electricity, financial aid to women heads of families, food grain for below poverty line families, and financial assistance to unemployed graduates and diploma holders. The petitioner contends that these promises amount to bribery and undue influence under Section 123(2) of the Act.
The plea further argues that the manifesto, with Siddaramaiah's consent, offered gratification to the electorate of Varuna constituency to influence their votes in favour of the party.
In addition, the petition points out that some of the guarantees in the manifesto are allegedly discriminatory based on gender, potentially violating Article 14 of the Indian Constitution.
The court proceedings will continue to determine the outcome of the election petition and its implications on Siddaramaiah's position as Chief Minister of Karnataka.
Image source: Bar and Branch
Loading...please wait
Comments