EC seeks report on raids on DK Shivakumar

The Election Commission on Wednesday sought a report from the Ministry of Finance of the Union Government over Income Tax officials' raids on Karnataka Energy Minister D K Shivkumar's residence and other places. The Commission has asked to submit the report by Friday.

The EC sought a “factual report” from the Finance Secretary over alleged use of central paramilitary forces in the Income Tax officials' raids in Bengaluru, sources in the poll-panel said.

The commission asked for the report after the Congress accused the Union Government led by Bharatiya Janata Party of using the Income Tax officials to influence the August 8 polling to elect three members to
the Rajya Sabha from Gujarat.

The Congress shifted its 44 MLAs in Gujarat to a resort in Bengaluru after some of them resigned in moves that could help the BJP win all the three Rajya Sabha seats from the western State. Shivkumar was
tasked by the Congress top brass to make arrangements for the party MLAs from Gujarat.

The Congress complained to the EC that its Gujarat MLAs staying in a resort in Bengaluru were being terrorized by the BJP-led Government at the Centre.

A delegation of Congress leaders comprising Kapil Sibal, Vivek Tankha, Rajiv Shukla, Manish Tewari, Randeep Surjewala and Madhu Goud met Chief Election Commissioner A K Joti and Election Officer O P Rawat
and sought the poll-panel's intervention in ensuring that no coercive steps were taken against its MLAs to "force" them to switch sides.

“In these circumstances, it is imperative that in order to ensure free, fair and transparent elections, no coercive steps be taken against these MLAs till the casting of votes on August 8,” the Congress said in its memorandum submitted to the EC on Wednesday.

“As a Constitutional watchdog for ensuring transparency, free and fair elections, we implore the Election Commission to immediately issue appropriate directions to ensure that the safety and security of the MLAs is not jeopardised and their liberties protected to enable them to effectively cast their votes on August 8,” the Congress urged the poll-panel.