Karnataka BJP petitions EC against Jignesh Mewani

BENGALURU: The state unit of BJP has submitted several petitions to the Election Commission against Gujarat legislator Jignesh Mewani and director of information department Dr Harsha besides  seeking permission for bike rallies across the state in the run up to Assembly polls on May 12. 

Former MLC Mr Ashwath Narayana along with other BJP leaders submitted petitions to Chief Electoral Officer, Sanjeev Kumar, in this regard. 

The leaders complained against Mr Mewani on grounds that his speech at Chitradurga on Friday was a case of violation of model code of conduct. 

In the petition against Dr Harsha, they alleged that the IPS officer assumed charge on August 1, 2017, and after that the government had released advertisements worth Rs 300 crores to various newspapers and television channels. 

“Now, he is coercing media houses to write in favour of the ruling Congress party failing which he would not clear the pending bills. As a result, we have noticed that media has turned hostile against the BJP. If Dr Harsha is allowed to continue in office, there will not be  free and fair elections. So immediately transfer him to ensure free and fair poll,” the petition added.

The BJP leaders also sought permission for bike rallies as part of their election campaign across Karnataka.