ECI seeks report on fund release in K’taka bypolls

Bengaluru, April 7 (IANS) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has written to the state’s Chief Secretary seeking details on the release of guarantee scheme funds in Davanagere and Bagalkot districts, where bye-election processes are currently underway.

The development follows the state government’s release of guarantee scheme funds to Davanagere and Bagalkot during the bye-election period. In this context, Election Commission Secretary Pawan Diwan addressed a letter to Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh and sought clarification.

According to official communication, the Commission has asked for a detailed report on the funds released in both districts, including the names of the officers who approved the disbursement. 

The directive comes amid the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.

The Commission has reiterated that no new funds should be released for welfare schemes without its prior approval while the Model Code of Conduct is in force. 

It has also instructed that if any approvals or disbursements are pending, they should not be carried out without obtaining permission from the Commission.

Reacting to the development, Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar accused the BJP of attempting to stall the state government’s guarantee schemes by using the Election Commission mechanism. 

He termed the move an attack on the poor and unemployed youth and said voters would respond appropriately.

Speaking to reporters at Bapuji Guest House in Davanagere today, Shivakumar said the state government had implemented welfare schemes that have become a model for the country. 

He also took exception to remarks attributed to PM Modi, who stated that the guarantees have not been implemented in Karnataka and the Congress government has not kept its word. 

Shivakumar stated that those in high office should be better informed, and alleged that similar schemes had been replicated in other states after being criticised.

He further alleged that the BJP had been attempting to derail programmes aimed at youth and women since the beginning. 

Clarifying that the schemes were not introduced specifically for elections, he said the government had spent over Rs 1.25 lakh crore in the past two and a half years on public welfare.

Calling the Commission’s letter a reflection of political pressure, Shivakumar maintained that all fund disbursements had been carried out within the legal framework. 

He criticised the BJP’s stance as an attempt to halt relief measures for the poor affected by rising prices.

Shivakumar also said that instalments under the schemes had been released up to last month and that further payments would be made after the conclusion of the elections. 

He assured beneficiaries that the schemes would continue and urged voters not to be influenced by what he described as attempts to create fear. 

He underlined: “Those who are creating panic among voters will not win in these elections. Their government is not going to come to power in future.”

--IANS

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