Boomerang: Congress’ ‘Vote Chori’ campaign has come under BJP fire after Shilpa Bademmanavar was accused of casting a vote in another voter’s name at polling station 85 in Haveri. District in-charge minister Rudrappa Lamani was present when she reportedly entered the polling station
Haveri: An allegation of voter impersonation at polling station number 85, located at Haveri assistant commissioner’s office, during the West graduates’ constituency MLC election has sparked a political row, with BJP targeting Congress over the incident amid the latter’s nationwide ‘Vote Chori’ campaign.
Niralagi said he would approach the authorities over the matter. “I will lodge a formal complaint regarding the alleged fake voting and seek a proper inquiry,” he said. Haveri DC Vijay Mahantesh Danammanavar said the administration would act as per procedure once a complaint is filed. The facts will be verified, and necessary action will be taken in accordance with election rules,” he said.
It has been alleged that Congress worker Shilpa Badammanavar voted in the name of Asha Patil, wife of Sanjeevkumar Niralagi, president of the Haveri District Congress Committee. Shilpa reportedly entered the polling station along with district in-charge minister Rudrappa Lamani, who holds the sugar and textiles portfolios. “A detailed investigation will be conducted after we receive a formal complaint. When contacted, Badammanavar’s mobile was switched off, while Minister Lamani was unavailable for comment. At a news conference, Tenginakai claimed Congress worker Badammanavar voted in the name of Asha Patil, wife of District Congress President Sanjeevkumar Neeralagi, though Patil allegedly did not visit the booth.
He said Badammanavar was seen in the queue when Minister Lamani arrived to vote, and he also provided footage from inside the booth for review.