New Delhi: Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa is under fire from the Election Commission of India. The Chief Election Commissioner Naveen Chawla has accused his government of protecting political leaders who violated the model code of conduct.
In a confidential letter to the state Governor Hansraj Bhardwaj, the CEC has complained that in July 2009, Karnataka government withdrew 11 cases against senior leaders.
The cases were related to violation of model code and electoral malpractices in the districts of Bellary, Raichur and Uddupy. The CEC made specific reference to Tourism Minister Sri Ramullu, who is close to the infamous Reddy brothers who are running their mining business in Bellary. Ramullu has been also accused of attacking a group of individuals on 18th April 2009.
The decision to withdraw the cases was taken despite opposition from the state DGP. The took the decision citing lack of evidence. The CEC has said such moves will encourage electoral malpractices and violations of the model code of conduct in the future.
The Karnataka Lokayukta had resigned last week, claiming the state government was not acting against corrupt officials. Justice Hegde had alleged that he was unable to protect an honest officer who was being harassed on behalf of the Reddy brothers.
However, the BJP defends the state action saying the government did not go beyond its jurisdiction. Senior BJP leader Dhananjay Kumar said, "State government is well within its rights to withdraw these cases."
Making matters worse is the fact that today itself, show cause notices have been issued against brothers Karunakaran Reddy and Janardhan reddy, known as Bellary brothers in Karnataka, by the Election Commission. A complaint was filed against them by another MP for using their ministerial posts for business purposes.
Ananth Kumar says, "Notice has been issued. It's up to them to respond." Ironically, just a few months back, it was the same Bellary brothers who had made Yediyurapa cry due to their differences with him. Now the CM is being accused of constitutional impropriety by supporting them.
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