Bengaluru, April 26 (UNI) Former Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy stirred a political row by accusing the Election Commission of India (ECI) of electoral misconduct in the Bengaluru Rural Lok Sabha constituency.

Allegations surfaced following claims that the Congress candidate distributed gift coupons with QR codes to voters, sparking clashes between party workers and heightening concerns over electoral integrity.
Kumaraswamy, addressing the media here on Friday, claimed to have evidence of electoral malpractice, asserting that the distribution of these coupons lacked transparency and violated electoral norms.

The controversy deepened as he alleged that the coupons bore the names of prominent political figures, including Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and his brother, Bengaluru Rural candidate DK Suresh, alongside others.
Similar incidents were purportedly witnessed during previous Assembly elections. "The Congress had distributed similar coupons during the Assembly elections too," Kumaraswamy claimed.
Responding to the accusations, BJP candidate CN Manjunath, a renowned cardiologist vying against Congress nominee Suresh, stressed the paramount importance of transparency in the electoral process. While acknowledging efforts to address concerns surrounding critical polling stations, Manjunath urged local electoral authorities to uphold fairness and impartiality.
The allegations by Kumaraswamy have ignited a fierce debate over the integrity of the electoral process in Bengaluru Rural, prompting calls for swift action from the Election Commission.

Stakeholders eagerly await the Commission's response and measures to address the allegations, amid heightened scrutiny and concerns over electoral conduct.

UNI BDN SY ING