Siddaramaiah government violated poll code: Karnataka BJP complains to CEC

New Delhi: The Karnataka BJP on Tuesday filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India alleging that the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government has violated the Model Code of Conduct by publishing an advertisement hailing the government.

The BJP leaders including BJP State President B Y Vijayendra, Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly R Ashoka and Leader of Opposition in Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy met the election commission officials here and submitted memorandum.

Even after bypolls for three assembly segments announced and the Model Code of Conduct also came into force, the state government published advertisement in media praising the state government works, the leaders complained.

“Publishing advertisements in the media using government funds, promoting the government’s achievements, or using photos of the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, or Ministers in such advertisements are not allowed after MCC is in force. Is Siddaramaiah not aware of this?” Ashoka told media.

“In the advertisement published in newspapers on the occasion of Valmiki Jayanti, the Karnataka government has claimed its achievements, and photos of the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister have been used,” he pointed out.

“If the sole purpose was to extend greetings on Valmiki Jayanti, the advertisement could have been published mentioning that only. However, it is clear that the government has intentionally violated the Model Code of Conduct,” Ashoka claimed.

“I appeal to the Election Commission to take appropriate legal action against the state government,” he said.