The Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka has confirmed that a case has been filed against BJP MP Tejasvi Surya for allegedly violating electoral norms by posting a video on social media (specifically X, formerly Twitter) and appealing for votes on religious grounds.
Tejasvi Surya, who is contesting for re-election from the Bengaluru South seat, made statements on Thursday suggesting a disparity between public support and voting behaviour for the BJP and Congress parties.
He claimed that while the BJP enjoys the support of 80 percent of the people, only 20 percent of them vote for the party. Conversely, he asserted that the Congress garners 20 percent public support but secures 80 percent of the votes.
Tejasvi Surya urged constituents to participate in record numbers during the second phase of voting held on April 26, encouraging high voter turnout.
ನಾವು, ಬಿಜೆಪಿಯನ್ನು ಬೆಂಬಲಿಸುವ ಶೇ.80 ರಷ್ಟು ಜನ ಇದ್ದರೂ ಮತ ಚಲಾಯಿಸುವುದು ಕೇವಲ 20 % ರಷ್ಟು ಮಾತ್ರ.
ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ ಅನ್ನು ಬೆಂಬಲಿಸುವ ಕೇವಲ ಶೇ.20 ರಷ್ಟು ಜನರು, ಶೇ.80 ರಷ್ಟು ಮತದಾನ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಾರೆ.
ನಾವು ಹೆಚ್ಚಿನ ಪ್ರಮಾಣದಲ್ಲಿ ಮತದಾನ ಮಾಡಲೇಬೇಕಿದೆ.
ನಾಳೆ, ತಪ್ಪದೇ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಅತ್ಯಮೂಲ್ಯ ಮತ ಚಲಾಯಿಸಿ. pic.twitter.com/dMTELGLkrz
— Tejasvi Surya (ಮೋದಿಯ ಪರಿವಾರ) (@Tejasvi_Surya) April 25, 2024
The Chief Electoral Officer, Karnataka, in a tweet said, “Case is booked against Tejasvi Surya MP and Candidate of Bengaluru South PC on 25.04.24 at Jayanagar PS u/s 123(3) for posting a video in X handle and soliciting votes on the ground of religion.”
Case is booked against Tejasvi Surya MP and Candidate of Bengaluru South PC on 25.04.24 at Jayanagar PS u/s 123(3) for posting a video in X handle and soliciting votes on the ground of religion.
— Chief Electoral Officer, Karnataka (@ceo_karnataka) April 26, 2024
The Election Commission’s action reflects its commitment to ensuring fair and equitable electoral practices, particularly regarding the prohibition of soliciting votes based on religious considerations. Such cases underscore the stringent enforcement of electoral guidelines to uphold the integrity of the democratic process.
Also Read: Phase 2 Lok Sabha elections: By 3 pm, 54.67% voter turnout recorded across 88 seats
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