SC seeks CM Siddaramaiah’s response to plea challenging 2023 Assembly poll victory

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seeking his response to a plea challenging his victory from Varuna constituency in the 2023 State legislative assembly elections, alleging that the same was based on illegal freebie policies as per the Karnataka Congress party manifesto.

After considering the plea filed by one K Shankara, a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta said “issue notice”.

The petitioner, Shankara, had moved the Supreme Court challenging the Karnataka High Court’s April 22 decision to dismiss his plea challenging Siddaramaiah’s victory from the Varuna constituency.

Shankara had alleged that Siddaramaiah’s election victory was based on wrongfully offering freebies to ensure votes. Such practice, as per the petitioner, is in violation of certain provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. (ANI)