Thaindian News

New Delhi, Aug 17 (IANS) The Election Commission Monday censured Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa for violating the model code of conduct by promising loans to farmers in the Kollegal assembly constituency where by-poll is being held Tuesday.
“The commission has decided to censure you for the wilful violation of the model code of conduct and has advised you to be more careful in future,” a statement issued here said.

The by-election is being held because of the vacancy caused by sitting member Dhruvanarayan being elected to the Lok Sabha in April-May.

Issuing a notice to the chief minister Aug 14, the commission said he made various speeches in Yelandur, Santemarahalli, Kollegal during his visit to the assembly constituency.

Yediyurappa during his roadshows promised farmers that he would arrange loans for them to buy cows and buffaloes, the statement said.

The chief minister promised that development schemes would be launched and some areas would be declared as drought affected, it added.

“The commission said that such poll promises are violation of the model code of conduct,” he said.

In its notice, the panel asked him why action should not be taken against him.

Yediyurappa in his Aug 15 reply said the promises were already announced during his annual budget speeches 2009-10 and they were in no way made with an intention to influence the voters.

Citing a video coverage, the commission said it was “not aware” whether all the announced schemes are those that have been implemented on ground as the chief minister claimed.

The commission also said some of the promises were new ones.