Vijayanagar Booth Entry Controversy Prompts BJP Demand for Strict Action

Tensions have risen in Vijayanagar district of Karnataka after BJP workers accused Congress leader B.L. Rani Sanyukta of entering a polling centre in Hosapete during the graduate constituency election.

The BJP says the Congress leader went inside Polling Booth No. 15, situated in a school, and began looking into the voting procedure. The alleged entry took place while voting for the North-East Teachers' Constituency was ongoing, the party said.

After polling ended, a complaint was submitted to Deputy Collector Kavita S. Manniker and Superintendent of Police Jahnavi. The BJP maintains that the presence of the Congress leader and her bodyguard inside the booth undermined voter privacy and sought to influence the electorate.

The Hosapete BJP Mandal has written to election officials asking them to check the polling station's CCTV footage and verify the claims. If violations are proven, the Mandal wants legal action taken against the individuals involved.

The party's letter also seeks an inquiry into the conduct of the polling staff who let the leader enter the booth.

BJP workers have warned that they will protest before the Election Commission if no action is initiated.

They have also sought intervention from the Chief Election Commissioner and the State Election Commissioner against Rani Sanyukta.

The party pointed out that restricted areas are off-limits to leaders of all parties during the model code of conduct. It asked how Congress leaders were allowed into the space where ballot papers were kept, and called on the Election Commission to take fair but firm action against the guilty.