EC seeks raw footage of sting CD from 2 TV channels

The Election Commission has sought 'raw footage' from two TV channels of the sting operation they had aired which purportedly showed money being offered to MLAs to vote in favour of certain candidates for the June 11 Rajya Sabha polls in Karnataka.

Sources in the Commission said while the poll panel had sought raw footage from the channels, it was provided with an edited copy.

Now, the Commission has asked them for a raw footage.

Meanwhile, Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi and Election Commissioner A K Joti this evening held a long meeting with top Commission officials to discuss the issue.

The Commission later issued a brief statement, saying, "EC has not taken any decision yet regarding Rajya Sabha elections (in Karnataka)."

The sting by two channels on June 2 had purportedly showed MLAs negotiating a money deal in exchange for their votes in the biennial elections to four Rajya Sabha seats from the state.

Five candidates are in the fray for the elections to the four seats due to be held on June 11.

Congress and BJP are of the view that the elections should neither be cancelled or postponed.