Bengaluru: The Congress finds itself in a storm of allegations after former Union Minister and ex-Congress leader CM Ibrahim accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of engaging in vote-buying during the 2018 assembly elections. BJP has seized on the explosive charge and filed a formal complaint with the Election Commission, demanding strict action. Ironically, the episode stems from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s own accusations of vote rigging, which now appear to have turned back on his party’s government in Karnataka.
The controversy began when Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, alleged that large-scale vote manipulation took place in Bengaluru’s Mahadevapura constituency. He released documents and statistics at a protest meeting in Bengaluru, sparking a political uproar. However, what began as an attack on the BJP’s electoral conduct has now boomeranged, after Ibrahim’s statement suggested that Siddaramaiah’s victory in Badami in 2018 was achieved through direct purchase of votes.
In a startling revelation, Ibrahim claimed that Siddaramaiah, fearing defeat in Chamundeshwari, had contested from two constituencies. According to him, the ground situation in Badami was equally unfavorable, and the then chief minister would have lost had votes not been purchased. “I personally borrowed money, arranged for the purchase of 3,000 votes, and ensured his victory. Later, Siddaramaiah returned the money to me after six months,” Ibrahim said, insisting he was prepared to swear an oath anywhere to prove the truth of his statement.
This admission has provided the BJP with powerful ammunition. A delegation led by BJP state chief spokesperson Ashwath Narayan, along with former MLCs Ganesh Karnik and Arun Shahapur and legal cell coordinator Vasanth Kumar, lodged a complaint with the Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer. The complaint also cites Arsikere Congress MLA KM Shivalingegowda’s recent admission that Rs 7 crore was distributed during the 2024 Hassan Lok Sabha elections.
The BJP has demanded that the Election Commission launch a probe into both statements, arguing that they point to systematic malpractice within the Congress. Rajya Sabha MP Lehar Singh has gone further, writing directly to the Central Election Commission urging strict action against Siddaramaiah based on Ibrahim’s confession.
The timing of the allegation has added to the Congress’ discomfort. Only days earlier, Rahul Gandhi had staged a protest in Bengaluru and then in Delhi, presenting what he claimed was evidence of electoral fraud in constituencies held by the BJP. His aim was to attack the BJP government at the Centre. Instead, Ibrahim’s remarks have shifted the spotlight back onto the Congress itself.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, Ibrahim suggested that his resignation from the Legislative Council stemmed from being sidelined, despite his role in ensuring Siddaramaiah’s 2018 win. “I was not treated with respect in the Upper House. But what I say is the truth,” he said. His statement indirectly admits that money was handed to voters, which constitutes a serious electoral malpractice.
The BJP has wasted no time portraying this as hypocrisy within the Congress. “Rahul Gandhi talks about vote-buying and electoral corruption. But his own party leaders admit to the same crime. The Congress has no moral ground left,” Ashwath Narayan said after filing the complaint.
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