FIR against BJP's Somanna for allegedly bribing JDS candidate in Chamarajanagar

A First Information Report has been filed against BJP leader V Somanna for allegedly influencing a JDS candidate to withdraw his nomination at Chamarajanagar constituency.

An audio clip of the alleged telephonic conversation between Somanna and Mallikarjuna Swamy alias Aluru Mallu went viral on social media.

Somanna is alleged to have offered Rs 50 lakh in cash and a government vehicle to Mallikarjuna Swamy, to withdraw from the contest.

"The Election Commission of India conveys no tolerance towards any attempt of bribery or intimidation to candidates and voters in the ongoing Karnataka Elections 2023; CEO and DEOs to keep a strict vigil on social media for timely action," said the poll body in a press release.

"The ECI has taken a serious note of the matter in which an audio clip is circulated on social media where an attempt has been made by V. Somana, BJP candidate from Chamarajanagar LAC to influence Mallikarjuna Swamy alias Alur Mallu, JD (S) party candidate from the same constituency to withdraw candidature by offering money and government vehicle," it said.

An FIR has been filed in the matter under Section 171E and 171 F of IPC, 1860 in Town Police Station, Chamarajanagar.

"Further, the ECI conveys that no tolerance towards any such corrupt practices in the ongoing Karnataka Assembly Elections 2023, the Commission has directed the CEO Karnataka to ensure constant monitoring of the ground situation and strengthen vigil over social media platforms for prompt and timely action against any attempt of bribery or intimidation to candidates and voters and other corrupt practices," it said.

For conviction under Section 171E and 171 F of IPC, 1860, the election can be annulled on account of corrupt practices under Section 123 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the candidate may be disqualified under section 8 (1) (a) of R P Act, 1951.