BJP Raises Concerns Over Political Activities in Government Offices in Bengaluru
Bengaluru, 31st March 2024: In Bengaluru, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has raised concerns with the Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka regarding ongoing political activities within government offices, particularly those belonging to ministers and MLAs of the Congress government in the state.
Led by party MLA and former Minister S Suresh Kumar, a BJP delegation has called for a cessation of political activities within government buildings, asserting that ministers and legislators should be barred from engaging in such activities.
The BJP specifically cited an incident involving Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who allegedly organized a political event at the Vidhana Soudha office for the induction of Najma Nazeer Chikkanerale into the Congress party on March 30. This action, the BJP argues, violates the Election Code of Conduct and demonstrates a disregard for established rules.
Expressing dismay at the perceived inaction of Chief Secretary Rajneesh Goel in addressing such violations, the BJP emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of election guidelines, especially given the ongoing Lok Sabha elections and the commencement of nomination filings.
Furthermore, the BJP highlighted instances where ruling party MLAs and ministers have been reportedly conducting press conferences from government offices, such as Vidhana Soudha and Vikasa Saudha. Notably, Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda’s criticism of the Central government during a press conference at Vikasa Soudha on March 25 was mentioned as an example.
In light of these violations, the BJP has urged the Election Commission to intervene and direct concerned authorities to prevent political activities within government premises. Additionally, the party has called for stringent action against officials who permit such activities to occur in defiance of established rules and regulations.
