Modi’s visit to election-bound Karnataka for govt programme requires ECI nod, says Siddaramaiah

Raising a question over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed visit to election-bound Karnataka for a government programme in Mysuru on April 9, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) clearance was mandatory for such a visit.

Raising a question over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed visit to election-bound Karnataka for a government programme in Mysuru on April 9, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) clearance was mandatory for such a visit.

Speaking to reporters at the airport in Mysuru on Sunday, Mr. Siddaramaiah said he was not opposed to the Prime Minister’s visit. “I am only asking if the visit has been permitted by the Election Commission. If he is coming without obtaining permission from the ECI, it amounts to violation of the election code of conduct,” Mr. Siddaramaiah said.

PM Modi is scheduled to participate in a programme to commemorate 50 years of Project Tiger at Mysuru on April 9 before visiting Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Chamarajanagar district.

Pointing out that the election code of conduct applies to everybody whether it is the Prime Minister, Chief Minister or even an MLA, Mr. Siddaramaiah said the ECI’s permission was necessary for Mr. Modi to visit election-bound Karnataka for a government programme.

Replying to queries from reporters, Mr. Siddaramaiah said the second list of Congress candidates would be released after the Central Election Committee (CEC) meeting is held on Tuesday.

The suspense over party nominees in Chamundeshwari, Krishnaraja and Chamaraja assembly segments in Mysuru district would also be cleared during the CEC meeting, he added.

With regard to his plans to contest the elections from Kolar in addition to Varuna, Mr. Siddaramaiah said the party High Command will have to take a decision in the matter.