The Election Commission of India on Friday directed the Karnataka Chief Election Officer to submit a report on the facts related to >“sting operations” purportedly showing certain MLAs demanding funds for votes in the elections to the Rajya Sabha from the State.
“The EC has received queries from various mediapersons regarding alleged sting operations by some channels related to Rajya Sabha elections in Karnataka. In this regard, the Commission has asked the Karnataka CEO to provide a report on the facts of the matter,” a statement by the Election Commission said.
In one sting operation, four Karnataka MLAs were purportedly shown discussing that money was being paid in lieu of support to a candidate for elections to the Rajya Sabha scheduled to be held on June 11. The Congress has two assured seats and the BJP has one, while the JD(S) and the Congress have fielded their candidates for the fourth seat.
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It is alleged that the two JD(S) legislators, Mallikarjun Khuba and G.T. Deve Gowda, were shown in the “sting” negotiating the rates ranging from Rs. 5 crore and above for votes. Two other MLAs shown were identified as B.R. Patil of the Karnataka Janata Paksha and an Independent, Varthur Prakash.
Mr. Patil was shown allegedly conceding that funds were being offered to the legislators.