SALAR NEWS

Karnataka CM denies vote-buying allegations in Badami

He acknowledged that Ibrahim and other Congress leaders campaigned for him in Badami at the time but firmly denied knowledge of any malpractice.

Salar News

The CM labelled the accusations baseless and politically motivated. Photo: ANI

Mysuru, 9 Aug

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday dismissed allegations made by Janata Dal (K) State President and former ally CM Ibrahim that he won the 2018 election in Badami by buying votes.

Speaking to reporters, Siddaramaiah said he campaigned in Badami for only two days and was unaware of any vote-buying. Ibrahim had earlier claimed that he and former minister B.B. Chimmanakatti secured 3,000 votes through inducements, contributing to Siddaramaiah’s narrow victory margin of 1,600 votes.

Siddaramaiah acknowledged that Ibrahim and other Congress leaders campaigned for him in Badami at the time but firmly denied knowledge of any malpractice.

Responding to BJP leaders' claims regarding his earlier win in Chamundeshwari with the alleged help of then election observer Peter, Siddaramaiah said that without Peter’s fair oversight, he might not have won at all.

He labelled the accusations baseless and politically motivated.