Karnataka Election Commission Monitors Water Tankers Amid Shortage: Report

A close watch will be kept on the movement of water tankers in Karnataka by the Election Commission following the declaration of a model code of conduct (MCC), according to a report in The Indian Express.

The prices of water tankers in Bengaluru have already been regulated by the state government amidst the severe shortage in water supply in the capital city.

Photo Credit: PTI

Karnataka Election Commission Monitors Water Tankers

It was stated by Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Kumar Meena that action will be taken if any political party or individual is observed supplying water to manipulate voters. He mentioned that although there is regulation by the state government on water tankers, observation will also be maintained by the election commission, as reported by the Hindustan Times.

The provision of facilities by a political party will be considered a violation as it can influence voters. It was further mentioned that anyone spotting such irregularity can alert the election officers by dialling 1950 or reporting the issue on the vigil app. Earlier this month, it was announced by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar that the state government would take over the private water tankers in Bengaluru owing to the severe water shortage.

Private water tankers in Bengaluru were reported to charge upwards of ₹2000, a significant increase from the usual cost of less than ₹800. A drinking water crisis is being faced by at least 412 panchayats in 98 taluks in the state, with water being supplied through 204 water tankers in 175 villages, as reported by the Hindustan Times.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced on Saturday that elections for 28 Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka will be held in two phases on April 26 and May 7. In the first phase on April 26, fourteen seats in South Karnataka, including Bengaluru North, Bengaluru Rural, Bengaluru Central, Bengaluru South, and coastal regions, will go to polls, whereas the remaining fourteen constituencies will go to the polls in the second phase on May 7.