In a shocking development, over 1000 postal ballot covers have been found at a hotel in owned by a BJP leader in Badamai in Karnataka, reported News18. It added that that the ballot covers were in possession of BJP workers.
A flash by News18 said that the BJP workers were reportedly opening the postal ballots.
Hours to go before #KarnatakaCounting , Big row erupts in Badami. 1000 postal ballots found from a hotel belonging to a politician. @siddaramaiah vs @BSYBJP is reaching feverish pitch, both sides claiming victory. In midst of all this, poll on #Modi4years #viewpoint @CNNnews18
— bhupendra chaubey (@bhupendrachaube) May 14, 2018
The Congress has demanded that the Election Commission’s role be probed. The hotel in question is reportedly owned by a local BJP leader.
#BattleForKarnataka: Over 1000 postal ballot covers found at a hotel in Badami. It was with BJP workers. They were reportedly opening the postal ballots. Congress says EC’s role should be probed. The hotel in question is owned by a local BJP leader #ElectionsWithNews18 pic.twitter.com/0Mul7ErmdX
— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 14, 2018
The incumbent chief minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, is contesting from Badami as well as seeking re-election from Chamundeshwari in south Karnataka. Reacting to the news, Congress Spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi tweeted, “The more desperate BJP, the more desperate their tactics. How low can one go? Will EC take note??”
The more desperate BJP, the more desperate their tactics.
How low can one go?
Will EC take note?? https://t.co/0ywutf5CuP
— Priyanka Chaturvedi (@priyankac19) May 14, 2018
Another Congress supporter Jothimani wrote, “This is happening in Badami where CM @siddaramaiah is contesting. Couldn’t imagine about all other constituencies. EC’s credibility at stake and people faith in free and fair election will erode.”
This is happening in Badami where CM @siddaramaiah is contesting. Couldn't imagine about all other constituencies. EC's credibility at stake and people faith in free and fair election will erode. pic.twitter.com/fjimanPwG0
— Jothimani (@jothims) May 14, 2018
The elections for 22 seats in Karnataka were held on 12 May. The counting is scheduled to take place on Tuesday. The discovery of 1,000 postal ballot covers from the possession of BJP workers just hours before the counting has cast a huge shadow on the impartial role of the Election Commission.