Mysuru: The Bharatiya Janata Party Lok Sabha candidate from Mysuru-Madikeri constituency, Pratap Simha filed a complaint with the Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Abhiram G Shankar, here on Wednesday, April 17, alleging that his image was being tarnished just 48 hours before the polls.
In the complaint, he has mentioned that some people, including some sections of the media, have tried to tarnish his image by using his name and photograph.
Simha has said, “My photograph is being used and they have released an audio clip on all the social media platforms claiming that I am having a lewd conversation with a female. My reputation is at stake and I request the Election Commission to stop this nuisance.”
The audio clip contains an ‘adult’ conversation with a girl, which according to him is not his voice and was mimicked.
Speaking to one of the Kannada dailies, he has said that it was clearly mentioned in the election code of conduct that none of the media sections shall publish or telecast reports which affects the reputation of the poll candidates 48 hours before the elections. He has also confirmed filing the complaint with the Returning Officer.
He has also criticised the Congress and Janata Dal (S) parties claiming that they were afraid of losing and hence were resorting to publishing such content, with wrong intentions.
Meanwhile, Returning Officer and DC Abhiram G Shankar has clarified saying, “On the outset, it has violated the Section 126 of the Representation of People’s Act, which clearly states that no one is allowed to publish such matters on television or other forms of media 48 hours before the election.”
“We’ll also file a police complaint and will take stringent action against the culprits”, he added.
