CONG CRIES FOUL OVER PRIVATE ENTITY IN KARNATAKA VOTER SURVEY, BOMMAI DISMISSES 'BASELESS' CHARGE

The Congress in Karnataka on Thursday charged the Chief Minister with “corrupt electoral practice” vis-à-vis an “awareness programme,” a charge rejected outright by Basavaraj Bommai, who said the opposition party was bankrupt with ideas.

The CM asserted he was ready to face an inquiry and also get investigated regarding Congress’ allegation that a private firm engaged in voter surveys in the city collected details, including on individuals’ caste and their Aadhaar.

As the issue erupted into a political row, the city’s civic body announced terminating the permission granted to the NGO involved in the program, and authorities said action will be taken against it if it is found to be involved in violations.

The Congress national general secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Surjewala demanded the resignation of Bommai, alleging he is directly responsible for the corrupt electoral practice by assigning a private entity, Chilume Educational and Rural Development Institute, to collect door-to-door voter information.

Dismissing Congress’ allegation, Bommai said it has bankrupt ideas due to which it is making baseless charges without any proof. He said he was ready to get the matter investigated.

“What I feel is that the Congress has bankrupt ideas. It is a matter between the Election Commission of India, Bruhat Bengaluru MahanagaraPalike (BBMP) and the NGO,” Bommai said.

He added that if the NGO has misused its position, it will be inquired into and action will be taken.

“What is the proof that which private information has been given to whom.There is nothing on paper. It is a baseless allegation. I am really astonished the way Congress is bankrupt with ideas...there is no proof at all,» Bommai added. He said he was ready for an inquiry.