FIR Filed Against DK Shivakumar Over Poll Code Violation

A police case has been filed against Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar for allegedly violating the model code during campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections. The case is related to a video where Shivakumar purportedly promised Bengaluru voters a supply of water from the Cauvery river if they voted for his brother DK Suresh, who is contesting from Bangalore Rural.

The state Election Commissioner stated that Shivakumar's speech violates the model code, leading to the registration of a police case for "bribery and undue influence at elections."

In the video, Shivakumar is heard telling residents of a housing society in his brother's constituency that he was there for a "business deal" and would ensure the supply of Cauvery river water if they voted for his brother.

Bengaluru has been grappling with a severe water crisis for the past two months, primarily relying on water from the Cauvery river and groundwater. With no rainfall, the city's water sources are strained, leading to daily challenges for residents.

The Karnataka Lok Sabha Polls are scheduled in two phases on April 26 and May 7, with results for all seats to be declared on June 4.