BJP files complaint with EC against Sowmya Reddy, others for alleged violation of poll code
Bengaluru, Apr 18: The BJP on Thursday lodged a complaint with the Election Commission against Bangalore South Congress candidate Sowmya Reddy and others for alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct.
The complaint by Gajendra S, the BJP's election agent for Bengaluru South, alleges that Congress workers were inducing voters in the BTM Layout locality here by asking them to produce their Aadhaar in exchange for a ‘Guarantee Card’ from the party, according to which the voters would receive bonds of Rs 1 lakh after the elections.
Submitting photographs as evidence to the Election Commission of India, the BJP said in its complaint: “This is to bring to your kind notice that the Congress Party leaders, including its candidate Sowmya Reddy, Former BBMP Mayor Manjunath Reddy and others, are violating the Model Code of Conduct, provisions of the IPC and the Representation of People Act, 1951 by inducing voters belonging to the 26 – Bangalore South Parliamentary Constituency.”
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The complaint further said: “On April 17, Congress Leader Manjunath Reddy and other leaders, on the instructions of Congress Candidate Sowmya Reddy, were found inducing voters from economically weaker sections of the society in BTM Layout Assembly Constituency by compelling them to provide their Aadhaar Cards and other personal information in return for a Guarantee Card & promised voters that in case they provided the said details, they will be given bonds of Rs 1 lakh after the elections. This has been captured in photographs and videos.”
The complaint further said: “It is pertinent to note that the ‘Guarantee Cards’ which are being signed and provided as a promise of payment of money post elections would also amount to any agreement to receive gratification as a reward for voting in a particular way. Therefore, such an action on the party of the Congress leaders would also amount to bribery.”
The complainant urged the officials to register an FIR and take appropriate action against the Congress candidate.
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BESCOM to organise EV expo for Secretariat employees in Jan 2025
Bengaluru (PTI): To encourage the adoption of electric vehicles (EV), Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) announced on Friday that a special EV fair will be organised for the Secretariat employees in January 2025.
During a meeting at the BESCOM office, Managing Director Mahantesh Bilagi said, "The fair is being organised following a directive of Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh and will be conducted under the supervision of Energy Minister K J George and Additional Chief Secretary of the Energy Department Gaurav Gupta."
According to him, the event aims to educate attendees about the benefits of environmentally friendly EVs and to encourage the adoption of two-wheeled EVs.
"During the fair, dealer discounts to government employees, particularly those in the Secretariat will also be offered. There will also be opportunities for practical demonstrations of the vehicles at the exhibition site," added Bilagi.
He said the Secretariat employees will also benefit from no down payment and low-interest loans to purchase the EV vehicles.
"EV companies are eager to participate and the sales will extend beyond the exhibition, continuing in the future," the Managing Director said.
The state, particularly Bengaluru, has the highest electric vehicle (EV) users, said Bilagi, adding that to support this, the Energy Department has provided essential infrastructure.
"BESCOM's efforts in promoting EV usage have been recognised with the 'Charge India 2024 Excellence' award. This award is a testament to our commitment to establishing excellent charging facilities. Karnataka has the country's most public electric vehicle charging stations, with a total of 5,765 stations, of which 4,462 are located in the Bengaluru Urban district," said Bilagi.
The Secretariat Employees' Association president Ramesh Sanga and other office-bearers, BESCOM Technical Director H J Ramesh as well as senior officials attended the meeting.
