Unearth source of BJP funds: Ex-mayor
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A casual remark made on television by die-hard supporter of former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa and chairman of Karnataka Handloom Development Corporation, M.D. Lakshminarayana, on colossal sums spent during ‘Operation Lotus’ and the recent bypoll to Udupi-Chikmagalur Lok Sabha seat could spell trouble for the ruling party in Karnataka.
Based on the television clipping, former mayor, P.R. Ramesh, on Monday shot off petitions to the President of India, the Election Commission of India, and authorities in Income Tax department as well as the Lokayukta. According to Mr Ramesh, the amount of Rs 25 crore reportedly paid by Mr Sadananda Gowda to state BJP president K.S. Eshwarappa during the Udupi-Chikmagalur bypoll was 100 times more than the maximum limit of election expenditure fixed by the Election Commission. He demanded a probe into the source of the funds, and whether a part of it was used to secure the tacit support of legislators of Opposition parties during the byelection.
The letter stated, “The information revealed beyond reasonable doubt that the present Chief Minister and the ex-chief minister misused public funds and powers as the head of the state. The amounts stated above are undisclosed income which has put the Union of India into great loss. Hence, there needs to be a detailed inquiry to find out the reality of the matter, as such a detailed inquiry may help protect public money. If this issue is not taken up seriously, great injustice and a wrong message will be sent to citizens and the person who commits illegal activities will go scot free.”
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