Poll code violation: EC seizes over 800 cookers with pics of Cong candidate

Belagavi, 01 Apr 2018 [Fik/News Sources]: In a shocking incident, the Election Commission confiscated 800 cookers having pictures of a Congress leader, all kept ready for distribution, even as model code of conduct is in place, on Saturday.

The cookers, packed and stacked in a truck near DC's office had photograph of Belagavi rural constituency Congress candidate Lakshmi Hebbalkar.

BJP leader Anil Benake had brought the issue to the notice of the EC. However, the BJP leaders allege that the election officials delayed arriving at the spot. A heated argument is said to have occurred
between Channaraj Hattiholi, brother of Laxmi Hebbalkar and Benake after the seizure. A case was finally booked by the officials who arrived at the spot.

It is also gathered that cookers, iron boxes and other goodies were seized during a raid at Hebbalkar's Hanuman Nagar flat.

Notably complaints have been booked against CM Siddaramiah and BJP national president Amit Shah for alleged poll code violation.