EC cautions Karnataka CEO after FIR against minister V Somanna: ‘Keep vigil on bribery, corrupt practices’

A source in the EC told The Indian Express that the commission had taken note of the reported audio clip circulating on social media and asked for the District Election Officer (DEO)’s report on the matter. The FIR against Somanna was filed under Sections 171 (E) and 171 (F) of the Indian Penal Code, which pertain to punishment for bribery and undue influence or personation at an election, at the Town police station in Chamarajanagar, the source added.

The EC directed the state CEO to monitor the situation on the ground “constantly” so as to prevent such “alleged incidents at the outset in the future”.

“Teams set up to monitor media and social media be adequately strengthened and directed to keep a constant vigil and immediately report and take action against any attempt of bribery or intimidation to candidates and voters and other corrupt practices. Similarly, reports on C-VIGIL [EC’s complaints app] and other relevant apps be also constantly monitored,” the EC said.

While announcing the Karnataka elections on March 29, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar had flagged the influence of “money power” as one of the challenges in conducting the Karnataka polls.