Karnataka: Amit Shah pays Rs 5 lakh to late RSS worker’s family, Congress complains to EC for poll code violation

Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee has filed a complaint with the Election Commission against Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) president Amit Shah for violating the Model Code of Conduct in Mysuru. In their complaint, the Karnataka Congress said that Shah handed over a cheque of Rs 5 lakhs to family of killed RSS worker Raju with an intention to polarize voters in Mysuru. The Congress in their complaint alleged that Shah, along with Karnataka BJP chief BS Yeddyurappa, Union Minister Ananth Kumar and Member of Parliament from Mysuru Pratap Simha, visited the residence of Raju, an RSS worker who was killed around a year and a half ago and offer their respects to the family. “At the time of the visit, he and the aforementioned leaders, handed over a cheque of Rs. five lakhs to the deceased’s family which is in gross violation to the Model Code of Conduct and Section 171 B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC),” it added. “We would therefore request you to take appropriate steps against them for violating the Model Code of Conduct and their act which amounts to bribery by initiating criminal action immediately to ensure a free and fair election,” the Congress complaint further read. Earlier in the day, Shah met the Wadiyar royal family of Mysuru. Shah, who is touring old Mysuru region, met the erstwhile royal family at their private palace here, triggering speculations about their supporting or joining the BJP. Karnataka will go to polls on May 12 and the counting of votes will take place on May 18. Source: Indian Express