EC Issues Notice to Congress MLA for Threatening Remarks in Karnataka Election Campaign

The Election Commission has taken action against Congress MLA Raju Kage, issuing a notice for his alleged remarks threatening voters during a campaign speech in Madabavi, Belagavi. On April 30, Kage reportedly warned that he would cut off the electricity supply to the village if the residents did not vote for the Congress by a significant margin. The statement, captured in a viral video, prompted the Assistant Returning Officer of the Kagavad Vidhan Sabha Constituency to issue a notice, highlighting a possible breach of the Election Code of Conduct.

The controversy has sparked criticism from the opposition, with BJP National spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala condemning the remarks on social media. Poonawala criticized the Congress for using coercive tactics against voters, citing several instances where party leaders allegedly made threatening remarks. He questioned the ethos of the Congress, contrasting their public image with their actions during the campaign.

As Karnataka prepares for the second phase of polling for its remaining 14 Lok Sabha seats on May 7, this incident adds tension to an already heated electoral battle. The BJP, which dominated the region in the previous elections by securing 25 out of 28 seats, has formed a coalition with the JD-S to contest this year’s election. The final vote count is scheduled for June 4, which will determine the impact of such controversies on the voter’s decisions.

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