EC asks Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer to keep vigil after FIR against Karnataka minister V Somanna for bribery, intimidation

This decision comes after an FIR against BJP candidate V Somanna, who is also a minister in the Karnataka government, for allegedly attempting to bribe a rival candidate to withdraw from the election.

In a letter to the Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer, the Election Commission (EC) has directed that the FIR filed against state minister and BJP candidate V Somanna for alleged bribery be pursued to a speedy and logical conclusion.

The directive follows a complaint filed by the Congress against Somanna for allegedly offering Rs. 50 lahks as a bribe to Janata Dal (Secular)’s candidate in Chamarajanagar, Mallikarjuna Swamy, based on an audio clip that went viral. Somanna is contesting the upcoming Assembly elections in Karnataka from Varuna and Chamarajanagar.

According to a source in the EC, the commission had become aware of an audio clip that was being circulated on social media and had requested a report from the District Election Officer (DEO) on the matter, Indian Express reported.

The source also said that an FIR had been filed against Somanna under Sections 171 (E) and 171 (F) of the Indian Penal Code, which deal with bribery and undue influence or personation in elections, at the Town police station in Chamarajanagar, it added.

“Teams set up to monitor media and social media be adequately strengthened and directed to keep a constant vigil and immediately report and take action against any attempt of bribery or intimidation to candidates and voters and other corrupt practices. Similarly, reports on C-VIGIL [EC’s complaints app] and other relevant apps be also constantly monitored,” the EC said, Indian Express reported.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar had highlighted "money power" as one of the challenges faced in conducting the polls in the state while making the announcement of the Karnataka elections on March 29.