Poll remark: FIR filed against Gopalakrishna

The police have filed an FIR against Congress leader Belur Gopalakrishna, who had issued a statement that BJP candidate for Mandya Lok Sabha byelection Siddaramaiah would also withdraw from the fray, like Ramanagara BJP candidate L Chandrashekar.

Gopalakrishna, who had made the statement two days before the byelection, had invited the wrath of BJP cadre. Following this, Siddaramaiah had lodged a complaint with the district election officer on November 2. The complaint said, “The Congress and JD(S) leaders are trying to create confusion among the BJP workers by issuing statements that may have an impact on the election. It also brings disrepute to me. Suitable action should be taken against him (Gopalakrishna).”

Election officer N Manjushri had directed the Superintendent of Police to conduct an investigation in this regard. The FIR was filed against Gopalakrishna under Section 171G of the Indian Penal Code (false statement in connection with an election) on Sunday.