Haveri: An allegation of voter impersonation at polling station number 85, located at Haveri assistant commissioner’s office, during the West graduates’ constituency MLC election has sparked a political row, with BJP targeting Congress over the incident amid the latter’s nationwide ‘Vote Chori’ campaign.It has been alleged that Congress worker Shilpa Badammanavar voted in the name of Asha Patil, wife of Sanjeevkumar Niralagi, president of the Haveri District Congress Committee. Shilpa reportedly entered the polling station along with district in-charge minister Rudrappa Lamani, who holds the sugar and textiles portfolios.The allegation has raised questions about voter identity verification and polling-station safeguards in an election restricted to voters in the registered graduates’ constituency.Shilpa reportedly does not hold a degree and is not listed on the West Graduates’ Constituency electoral roll. Officials are expected to examine whether someone actually cast a vote in another person’s name and how the alleged impersonation could have happened.Niralagi said he would approach the authorities over the matter. “I will lodge a formal complaint regarding the alleged fake voting and seek a proper inquiry,” he said.Haveri DC Vijay Mahantesh Danammanavar said the administration would act as per procedure once a complaint is filed. “A detailed investigation will be conducted after we receive a formal complaint. The facts will be verified, and necessary action will be taken in accordance with election rules,” he said.When contacted, Badammanavar’s mobile was switched off, while Minister Lamani was unavailable for comment.The controversy has given BJP an opportunity to target Congress, which has been accusing its rivals of electoral malpractice through its ‘Vote Chori’ campaign. Opposition leaders have demanded accountability, while Congress leaders are awaiting the outcome of the official process.Tenginakai alleges vote fraudHubballi: BJP MLA Mahesh Tenginakai Saturday accused Congress of electoral malpractice in the Legislative Council election for the West graduates’ constituency, alleging impersonation at polling booth number 85 in Haveri.At a news conference, Tenginakai claimed Congress worker Badammanavar voted in the name of Asha Patil, wife of District Congress President Sanjeevkumar Neeralagi, though Patil allegedly did not visit the booth.Tenginakai said video footage and voter-list details had been submitted to support the charge. He questioned whether election officials properly verified voters’ identities before letting them cast their ballots and demanded scrutiny of the officers on duty.He said Badammanavar was seen in the queue when Minister Lamani arrived to vote, and he also provided footage from inside the booth for review.Calling the allegation serious, Tenginakai said a written complaint would be submitted to the Election Commission and demanded an FIR and legal action immediately.PhotoShilpa Badammanavar allegedly cast a fake vote with Rudrappa Lamani, Haveri district in-charge minister, at polling station 85 in Haveri on Friday.
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