Karnataka: Election Commission Rubbishes Allegations Of Annamalai Bringing Cash Via Helicopter; Asks Media To Issue Clarification

The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Karnataka has issued a statement asking the media to clarify that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Tamil Nadu state president K Annamalai did not bring cash to the state via helicopter.

According to the statement issued by the CEO, the election officials had checked the helicopter, the car and the hotel room in which Annamalai was staying and only found some personal belongings like clothes and water bottles.

It added that there was no violation of the Model Code of Conduct.

The first check by a flying squad at 9.55 AM on 17 April was done as soon as the helicopter arrived in Udupi. The second check was done by a joint team of a flying squad and GST officials when his vehicle arrived at the Ocean Pearl Hotel.

This was followed by a third check of the vehicle at the Udayavara check post on way to the Kaup assembly constituency. The final check of the hotel rooms and luggage was done when he returned to the hotel.

The allegations were first made by Vinaykumar Sorake, who is a Congress candidate from the Kaup constituency. It was then widely shared by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) to target Annamalai after its leaders were accused by him of amassing huge wealth through corrupt means.