MYSURU: BJP president and former Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa was caught in the midst of controversy after a video of him allegedly giving Rs 1 lakh to the widow of a farmer who died on Friday went viral.
The footage shows the BJP leader handing over the cash to Savithri, the widow of Chikkashetty, a farmer who died a few days back at his house in Annurkeri village in Gundlupet village.
Former minister M.P. Renukacharya is also seen in the video. As Yeddyurappa hands over the cash, a supporter standing next to him asks media persons not to record the incident.
Congress leader and Mysore Paints and Varnish Ltd chairman HA Venkatesh has lodged a complaint with the State Election Commission against Yeddyurappa.
Watch the video here
The complaint says the BJP leader’s gesture amounts to violation of the model code of conduct. “It is nothing but a drama of expressing concern towards farmers in order to woo the voters. It is a serious crime,” the complaint stated.
Being a people's representative and one who had held the responsible post of the chief minister should be aware of the law and model code of conduct. Action should be initiated against him under the People Representatives Act and his Lok Sabha membership should be cancelled, Venkatesh has requested in the letter.