Voter ID Case: EC Defers Voting in Karnataka’s RR Nagar to 28 May

9,746 Voter IDs, Printer Recovered From Bengaluru Flat

With just days before Karnataka goes to polls, the Election Commission revealed in a late night press briefing that it has found 9,746 voter ID cards from an apartment in Jalahalli area, Bengaluru.

On preliminary verification, the voter cards were found to be genuine, while the counterfoils were to be verified through investigation, Kumar said. Five laptops and one printer were also found in the apartment, he added.

“There were two large steel trunks with counterfoil strips resembling acknowledgement slips of Form 6 used for addition of names into the electoral rolls. These have photographs and a printed number in magenta colour. This is different from the officially available Form 6 which has no printed number,” he said.

Three observers from the poll panel were visiting the flat in the constituency, which has a total of 4,35,439 voters, Kumar said.

Along with Kumar, the District Election Officer and the city's civic body Commissioner M Maheshwar Rao, the city Police Commissioner T Suneel Kumar had visited the location where the voter cards were found.

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Apartment Where Voter IDs Were Found Belong to Ex-BJP Leader: Congress

The spokesman of the Congress party Randeep Singh Surjewala alleged that the flat where the voter IDs were found belonged to a BJP leader, Manjula Nanjamuri.

The Congress questioned how the BJP could claim that the Congress had any involvement with the 9,746 voter IDs, especially since the apartment where they were found belonged to a former BJP corporator.

BJP Demands Countermanding of Elections in Raja Rajeshwari Nagar

The BJP claimed that the Congress was “pressurising officers to enrol false names” and was engaged in other practices to rig the elections. Further, the party demanded that the polls in Raja Rajeshwari Nagar in Bengaluru should be countermanded as the Congress was “rigging” the elections.

On the other hand, the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) urged the poll panel to countermand the 12 May Assembly poll in the constituency, terming it a conspiracy by the ruling Congress to rig the election.

"The BJP demands countermanding of elections in Rajarajeshwari Nagar in light of latest revelations of tens of thousands of fake voter IDs and empty packets of hard currency. This is Congress conspiracy to rig election in the face of their imminent defeat," tweeted Union Human Resource Development Minister and the party's in-charge for state polls Prakash Javadekar.

BJP demands countermanding of elections in AC 154 Raj Rajeshwari Nagar in light of latest revelations of tens of thousands of fake voter ID and empty packets of hard currency. This is Congress conspiracy to rig election , in face of their imminent defeat.

JD(S): Both Congress and BJP Using Unethical Means in Polls

The JD(S), meanwhile, appealed to the EC that there be “no compromise with free and fair elections”.

We appeal to the EC that there should be no compromise with free and fair elections. It is a serious matter. All unethical means are being adopted by both national parties.

Danish Ali, JD(S)

EC Seize Printers

On 9 May, the Election Commission officials seized the printers recovered from flat 115 at SLV Park View Apartment in Jalahalli area.

BJP Is Misusing Machinery: Siddaramaiah

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the BJP is “misusing government machinery”.

Congress is constantly under surveillance of BJP government. This is the 12th time I am fighting elections but for the first time, these raids are being conducted at the time of elections. They are misusing government machinery.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah

It is a Congress Conspiracy: Javadekar

Holding a press conference on the EC's seizure of voter IDs, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar demanded a detailed invesitgation.

Terming it a Congress conspiracy ahead of the polls, he said:

Congress' philosophy is that if real voters don't vote for you, create fake voters. What happened yesterday is just the tip of the iceberg.

Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister

Javadekar then reiterated the party's demand for a countermanding of the elections in RR Nagar over the scandal.

BJP Candidate BS Yeddyurappa Requests 'Stringent Action'

BJP's chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa requested the election commission to take ‘stringent action' against the culprits involved.

In a tweet, Yeddyurappa said:

It is a scary situation in Karnataka. Rattled Congress prints fake Voter ID Cards. I appeal @ceo_karnataka to take stringent action against the culprits involved. Deterrent action should prevent others from resorting to similar malpractices.#CongRigsElection

Congress Delegation Meets EC

A delgation of Congress led by Anand Sharma and Motilal Vora met the Elections Commission. Speaking after the meeting, Sharma told reporters:

We submitted a detailed memorandum about malpractices of BJP and how the central government with the help of central agencies, including IT dept, is trying to subvert free and fair elections in Karnataka.

'I Have No Connection With the Flat': BJP Member Named by Congress

Rakesh, the BJP member named by the Congress as the person living in the flat, rubbished the opposition's claims. Addressing a press conference, Rakesh said:

I have no connection with that flat, neither do I have any relation with that aunt (Manjula Nanjundmuri) for last 10 years.

Rakesh, a BJP member said 

He further alleged that his party had searched the premises of the flat only after they were informed regarding the voter IDs.

We only searched the house when we got confirmation of voter IDs being stacked inside, we had been watching how cars were coming and leaving from there frequently.

Rakesh is Not the Tenant: Manjula Nanjamari

Manjula Nanjamari, the alleged BJP corporator too has denied that Rakesh is the tenant of the flat where the voter IDs were seized from.

The tenants are Rekha and Rangaraju, this is fake news that Rakesh is the tenant. They took the place on rent on 5 April saying they just wanted place to dump some of their office stuff.

Clarifying the relation between herself and BJP, Nanjamari said that the BJP had helped her win as a corporator, a post she held between 1997-2002.

From 1997-2002, I was a corporator, and BJP helped me win. I was just a house wife and BJP supported me, so I consider myself under their ‘sharan'. I am not a Congress person, will never be.

Tactic of Congress, Says PM Modi

Addressing a rally in Chikkmagaluru, PM Narendra Modi said the Congress has now resorted to making ‘fake voter IDs' to escape the ‘crushing defeat'.

Making multiple fake voter ID Cards to win elections is the tactic of Congress, people should never forgive such party. Fearing a crushing defeat, Congress is indulging in all kinds of malpractices.

Cong Using Fake IDs to Create Fictitious Voters, Rig Elections: Amit Shah

Ahead of the seizure of voter IDs by EC in poll-bound Karnataka, BJP Chief Amit Shah said “Congress is using fake voter IDs to create fictitious voters” to rig the state elections.

Congress Party should be ashamed of themselves! Everything about their party is fake- their tears for the poor, their claims of development, their commitment to social justice.

Now the Congress is using fake voter IDs to create fictitious voters and rig the 2018 Karnataka polls.

Shah appealed to all democracy loving Indians to call out the “fraudulent and anti-democratic means adopted by Congress” for the sake of coming to power.

It is in the best interest of our democratic traditions that the EC ensures free and fair polling in Rajarajeshwarinagar and other parts of the state. The hopes and aspirations of the people of Karnataka cant be held hostage to the machinations of the Congress.

I appeal to all democracy loving Indians to rise to the occasion and speak up against this fraudulent, anti-democratic means adopted by the Congress just for the sake of power. Our vigilance will ensure our future generations breathe the air of freedom and democracy.

Furthermore, Shah cited that Congress is turning to unethical means since their forsee that their “reign of corruption and oppression is ending” in the state.

Congress has read the writing on the wall. They know their reign of corruption and oppression is ending in Karnataka. That is why they are turning to unethical and anti-democratic ways to succeed. However, their attempts will be thwarted and the power of the people will win.

Congress Addresses Media After EC Seizes Voter IDs From Bengaluru Flat

Addressing a press conference, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said that the owners of the premises (where fake voter ID cards were found) say that they are BJP leaders.

Owner of the flat (in Jalahalli, where voter IDs were found) is Manjula Nanjamari, she was BJP corporator from ‘97-'02 and continues to be a prominent leader of BJP. In last 24 hours, she has been disowned by Karnataka BJP in-charge Prakash Javadekar. 

Randeep Surjewala, Congress said at a conference

"In a flat owned by a Former BJP Corporator, in a flat rented out to BJP Corporator candidate, how did 10,000 voter IDs come into being?

Facing imminent defeat, this is a conspiracy hatched by Prakash Javdekar, Yeddyurappa & other BJP leaders": @rssurjewala #BJPDramaExposed pic.twitter.com/dwvMv0dz1X

PM Modi Asks Voters Not to Forgive Congress

PM Modi on 9 May asked the voters of Karnataka to not "forgive" the Congress party in the Assembly elections, after a huge row erupted over the seizure of nearly 1,000 allegedly fake voter identification cards in Bengaluru, PTI reported.

He alleged the Congress was trying to win the polls by using bogus voter identity cards.

You must have seen how fake voter I-cards were seized by the thousands, computers, printing machine were seized. Congress is trying to win the elections by using fake I-cards. People should not forgive it for this when they cast their votes on 12 May.

PM Modi said, addressing an election rally in Chikmalgalur

Deputy EC Set to Visit Karnataka

Deputy Election Commissioner Chandra Bhushan Kumar will visit Karnataka in the light of ‘fake' voter IDs being seized from a residence in Bengaluru, reported ANI.

Congress Corporator Arrested Over Their Deed: Amit Shah

Exuding confidence over BJP's win in Karnataka with a full majority, BJP President Amit Shah retorted, “Who is Congress to accuse us in voter ID scam?”, further alleging that “their corporator has been arrested, it is their deed,” ANI reported.

Flat Owner Has No Link to BJP: Sambit Patra

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra on Wednesday, 9 May, defended his party by saying that Manjula Nanjamari, owner of the flat where ‘fake' voter IDs were found, did not have any link with the BJP.

“She was a BJP corporator, but for the past 15 years she has no link with BJP. We demand investigation and immediate countermanding of election in Rajarajeshwari Nagar constituency,” Patra told ANI.

BJP Delegation to Meet EC at 6 pm Over Seizure of 'Fake' Voter IDs

A BJP delegation comprising Union Ministers Smriti Irani, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, JP Nadda and Dharmendra Pradhan to meet Election Commission on 9 May at 6 pm over the issue of 9,746 allegedly fraudulent voter identity cards found in bundles in a Bengaluru flat, ANI reported.

Yogi Says Siddaramaiah Govt Resorting to Unethical Practices

UP Chief Minister said that the Siddaramaiah government will resort to all kinds of ‘unscrupulous activities' to win an election.

Their ministers are distributing money to influence voters. Fake voter ID cards were found. EC should take this seriously. Trends are in favour of BJP. We will form the government with absolute majority.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath to ANI 

PM Modi Addresses a Rally in Belagavi

Live | Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a rally in Belagavi, Karnataka

Addressing a rally in Belagavi, PM Modi appealed to the voters to "press on the Lotus button and enable the BJP to form the government."

PM Modi further alleged that the 'fake' voter IDs discovered by EC is a strategy that may not be limited to just one place, Firstpost reported.

"Congress must have engaged in this scam throughout Karnataka," the report stated Modi as saying.

People of Karnataka have seen the dirty tricks of the Congress in Badami. How is so much cash found there, which is associated with the Congress : PM @narendramodi #BJP4BetterKarnataka pic.twitter.com/p7JUW9DJKL

“I fail to understand why ‘only Modi' is the agenda of the Congress,” said PM Modi.

The Chief Minister was campaigning for a Congress candidate whose name is also Narendra but he only kept saying Narendra Modi and praised Narendra Modi too. The truth seems to have come out.

PM Modi said at a rally in Belagavi.

2 Arrested, Possibility of More Arrests: Chief Election Officer on Row

This is a very serious matter. Two people have been arrested as of now, there is a possibility of more arrests. Case is currently being investigated. 

Sanjiv Kumar, Chief Election Officer on ‘fake' voter ID row

BJP Delegation Reaches EC to Discuss Seizure of ‘Fake' Voter IDs

A BJP delegation comprising Union Ministers Smriti Irani, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, JP Nadda, Dharmendra Pradhan and SS Ahluwalia reached Election Commission office to discuss the issue of ‘fake' voter identity cards, ANI reported.

No New Voter IDs Have Been Made in Karnataka: EC Chief

We are trying to reach the truth at the earliest. However, one thing is certain that nobody has broken into our system and no new voter ID cards have been made. 

Sanjiv Kumar, Chief Election Officer to ANI

Countermand Election in Rajarajeshwari Seat: BJP Delegation Appeals to EC

Voter IDs are proof of voter confidence and to reinstate that elections to Rajarajeshwari constituency must be countermanded and we have put forward this demand to EC.

Smriti Irani said after BJP delegation met EC officials

Racket to Buy Voter ID Cards in Karnataka: TOI

According to a report in The Times of India, a “new trend” in Karnataka elections 2018 is to discourage voters from exercising their franchise and instead “sell” their voter ID cards.

Candidates bribe voters with cash or kind, TOI said, adding that the price of a voter ID card is different from place-to-place. According to TOI, the price is just Rs 100 in a Lambani tanda (cluster) in a remote area of north Karnataka, but can go up to as much as Rs 2,000 for slum dwellers in Bengaluru.

A carpenter told the English daily that he was approached by a BJP supporter who asked him if he wanted to make Rs 1,000 for not voting. He also said that other people in his colony got alcohol along with cash.

'Recovery of Voter IDs Shows Congress' Desperation': Amit Shah

On the last day of campaigning in Bengaluru in poll-bound Karnataka, BJP President Amit Shah attacked the Congress for resorting to “undemocratic ways” after the recovery of ‘fake' voter IDs in Rajarajeshwari Nagar.

Recovery of voter ID cards in Rajarajeshwari Nagar shows how desperately Congress wants to win the election. I want to alert those whose fake IDs have been made, that don't fall in Congress' trap and disturb polls.

Amit Shah to reporters in Bengaluru

Alleged Tenant Rangaraju Denies Any Link to Flat Where Voter IDs Were Found

Rangaraju, the man who according to flat owner Manjula Nanjamari is a tenant, denied having any connection with the flat, ANI reported.

I have no connection with the flat (where 9,746 voter IDs were found). I stay with my family in a different flat in the same building. I'm not involved in this case. 

Rangaraju on ‘fake' voter ID row

Congress Candidate from Rajarajeshwari Constituency Booked

The police, on Thursday, 10 May, booked N Munirathna Naidu, the Congress candidate from Rajarajeshwari (RR) constituency, in connection with the case.

"He (Naidu) was named as an accused in the FIR registered on Thursday on the basis of a complaint over the recovery of the voter ID cards from the apartment," Additional Commissioner of Police (West) Bijay Kumar Singh told IANS.

Naidu is also an outgoing legislator from the same constituency, and he was to contest in the 12 May Karnataka Assembly polls.

EC Defers Decision

The Election Commission on Thursday, 10 May, night deferred a decision on the recovery of nearly 10,000 voter I-cards from a flat in Rajrajeshwari Nagar Assembly seat of poll-bound Karnataka even as it sought fresh information from the state election machinery.

Highly-placed sources in the Commission said prima facie it seems that most of the voter I-cards recovered were "genuine". But the reason as to why they were found in the flat is still being ascertained.

The Commission, the sources said, deliberated on the issue and decided to seek more information from the state election administration before arriving at a conclusion.

If the EC finds that a fraud was involved, it could even cancel election to the constituency. Even in case, if the EC is able to ascertain that attempt was made to stop people from voting, it can cancel the poll.

EC Defers Voting in RR Nagar After Voter IDs Seized

The Election Commission on Friday, 11 May, deferred the polling for the RR Nagar seat in Karnataka Assembly to 28 May after thousands of voter cards were seized from a flat in the area.

Read the full EC order here.

EC Has Taken An Extraordinary Step: Piyush Goyal

Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday, 11 May said that the Election Commission has taken an extraordinary step by postponing the election in Rajarajeshwari Nagar constituency where the voter IDs were seized.

The Election Commission on Friday, 11 May, deferred the polling for the RR Nagar seat in Karnataka Assembly to 28 May after thousands of voter cards were seized from a flat in the area.

• Congress' candidate from the constituency booked in connection with the case on Thursday

• Election Commission recovered around 9,746 voter IDs and laptops from a Bengaluru flat on Wednesday
  
• Congress says the flat belonged to a BJP member, BJP denies the allegation

Catch all updates from Karnataka Elections 2018 polling on our live blog.

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