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<p>The Enforcement Directorate on Monday booked Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and some others in a money laundering case linked to the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA),&nbsp;taking cognisance of a recent state Lokayukta FIR, official sources said.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The federal agency has filed an enforcement case information report (ECIR) to book the chief minister and others, they said.</p>

<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">In a major development after the ED case, Parvathi, the spouse of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, decided to voluntarily return the 14 plots of land that were earlier allotted to her by the authority and hand over the possession.</p>

<p>In a letter addressed to MUDA officials, Parvathi said, "Further, I wish to surrender and return the compensation plots by cancelling the deeds of 14 plots executed in my favour by the Mysore Urban Development Authority. I am also handing over the possession of the plots back to the Mysore Urban Development Authority. Kindly take necessary steps in this regard as soon as possible."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wife of Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, Parvathi writes to MUDA surrendering 14 plots allotted to her.<br />
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Her letter reads, "Further, I wish to surrender and return the compensation plots by cancelling the deeds of 14 plots executed in my favour by the Mysore Urban Development… <a href="https://t.co/RMeDlDDxtV">pic.twitter.com/RMeDlDDxtV</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1840794485237641651?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Siddaramaiah, his wife B M Parvathi, brother-in-law Mallikarjuna Swamy and Devaraju -- from whom Swamy had purchased land and gifted it to Parvathi -- and others have been named in the FIR registered by the Mysuru-located Lokayukta police establishment on September 27.</p>

<p>The FIR was lodged after a special court in Bengaluru last week ordered a Lokayukta police probe against Siddaramaiah in the case.</p>

<p>The order of the special court judge came a day after the high court upheld the sanction granted by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to conduct an investigation against the senior Congress leader on allegations of illegalities in the allotment of 14 sites to his wife by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority.</p>

<p>The ED has pressed sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to book Siddaramaiah in its ECIR, the equivalent of a police FIR.</p>

<p>According to the procedure, the ED is empowered to summon the accused for questioning and even attach their assets during the investigation.</p>

<p>Siddaramaiah, 76, had last week said he was being targeted in the MUDA issue as the opposition was "scared" of him and noted that it was the first such "political case" against him.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tirupati-laddoo-row-supreme-court-slams-andhra-pradesh-govt-says-keep-god-out-of-politics-763211">Tirupati Laddoo row: SC slams Andhra CM Naidu, says 'keep God out of politics'</a></strong></p>

<p>He also reiterated that he would not resign following the court ordering a probe against him in the case as he has done no wrong and asserted that he would fight the case legally.</p>

<p>In the MUDA site-allotment case, it is alleged that compensatory sites were given to Siddaramaiah's wife in an upmarket area in Mysuru, which had higher property value as compared to the location of her land that was "acquired" by MUDA.</p>

<p>The Lokayukta FIR has been registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) like 120B (criminal conspiracy), 166 (public servant disobeying law, with intent to cause injury to any person), 403 (dishonest misappropriation of property), 406 (criminal breach of trust), 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property), 426 (mischief), 465 (forgery), 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating), 340 (wrongful confinement) and 351 (assault).</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for&nbsp;WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


The Enforcement Directorate on Monday booked Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and some others in a money laundering case linked to the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), taking cognisance of a recent state Lokayukta FIR, official sources said.

The Enforcement Directorate on Monday booked Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and some others in a money laundering case linked to the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), taking cognisance of a recent state Lokayukta FIR, official sources said. The federal agency has filed an enforcement case information report (ECIR) to book the chief minister and others, they said. In a major development after the ED case, Parvathi, the spouse of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, decided to voluntarily return the 14 plots of land that were earlier allotted to her by the authority and hand over the possession. In a letter addressed to MUDA officials, Parvathi said, "Further, I wish to surrender and return the compensation plots by cancelling the deeds of 14 plots executed in my favour by the Mysore Urban Development Authority. I am also handing over the possession of the plots back to the Mysore Urban Development Authority. Kindly take necessary steps in this regard as soon as possible." Wife of Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, Parvathi writes to MUDA surrendering 14 plots allotted to her. Her letter reads, "Further, I wish to surrender and return the compensation plots by cancelling the deeds of 14 plots executed in my favour by the Mysore Urban Development… pic.twitter.com/RMeDlDDxtV — ANI (@ANI) September 30, 2024 × Siddaramaiah, his wife B M Parvathi, brother-in-law Mallikarjuna Swamy and Devaraju -- from whom Swamy had purchased land and gifted it to Parvathi -- and others have been named in the FIR registered by the Mysuru-located Lokayukta police establishment on September 27. The FIR was lodged after a special court in Bengaluru last week ordered a Lokayukta police probe against Siddaramaiah in the case. The order of the special court judge came a day after the high court upheld the sanction granted by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to conduct an investigation against the senior Congress leader on allegations of illegalities in the allotment of 14 sites to his wife by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority. The ED has pressed sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to book Siddaramaiah in its ECIR, the equivalent of a police FIR. According to the procedure, the ED is empowered to summon the accused for questioning and even attach their assets during the investigation. Siddaramaiah, 76, had last week said he was being targeted in the MUDA issue as the opposition was "scared" of him and noted that it was the first such "political case" against him. Also read: Tirupati Laddoo row: SC slams Andhra CM Naidu, says 'keep God out of politics' He also reiterated that he would not resign following the court ordering a probe against him in the case as he has done no wrong and asserted that he would fight the case legally. In the MUDA site-allotment case, it is alleged that compensatory sites were given to Siddaramaiah's wife in an upmarket area in Mysuru, which had higher property value as compared to the location of her land that was "acquired" by MUDA. The Lokayukta FIR has been registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) like 120B (criminal conspiracy), 166 (public servant disobeying law, with intent to cause injury to any person), 403 (dishonest misappropriation of property), 406 (criminal breach of trust), 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property), 426 (mischief), 465 (forgery), 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating), 340 (wrongful confinement) and 351 (assault). Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

ED files money laundering case against CM Siddaramaiah in ‘MUDA’ scam; his wife offers to return plots

<p>Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and several cabinet ministers received a threatening email on Tuesday (March 5), allegedly sent by an individual named Shahid Khan.</p>

<p>The email, originating from the address Shahidkhan10786@protonmail.com, stated that an explosion would occur in Bengaluru at 2:48 pm on Saturday (March 9) if a ransom of $2.5 million was not paid.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rameshwaram-cafe-blast-indias-home-ministry-hands-over-case-to-anti-terror-agency-nia-696414">Rameshwaram cafe blast: India’s home ministry hands over case to anti-terror agency NIA</a></p>

<p>The email threatened large-scale explosions on buses, trains, temples, hotels and public areas throughout Karnataka if the demanded amount was not provided. It further claimed that the next explosion would target the Ambari Utsav bus, with subsequent demands to be raised on social media, including the uploading of screenshots of the threatening email.</p>

<p>The message specifically mentioned busy places such as restaurants, temples, buses or trains as potential targets, aiming at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, the state home minister and the Bengaluru police chief.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiNgryDptqEAxWd2TgGHeZ1AZEQvOMEKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/inside-bengalurus-rameshwaram-cafe-blast-man-orders-idli-flees-leaving-bag-with-explosives-watch-695702" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/inside-bengalurus-rameshwaram-cafe-blast-man-orders-idli-flees-leaving-bag-with-explosives-watch-695702&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiNgryDptqEAxWd2TgGHeZ1AZEQvOMEKAB6BAgQEAE">Inside Bengaluru`s Rameshwaram Cafe blast: Man orders idli, flees leaving bag with explosives. WATCH</a></strong></p>

<p>In response to the bomb threat, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar expressed uncertainty about the authenticity of the threat, stating, "We don't know whether it is bogus, fraud, true, false, or blackmailer. We have sent it to our police officers. They are on the job." An investigation has been initiated, and a case has been registered.</p>

<p>This incident follows an improvised explosive device (IED) blast at Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru on March 1, resulting in at least 10 injuries. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the investigation, considering various angles, including the possible involvement of IS cadres.</p>

<p>The Bengaluru Police have&nbsp;registered a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Explosives Substances Act in connection with the cafe explosion.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiNgryDptqEAxWd2TgGHeZ1AZEQvOMEKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/india-news/bengalurus-rameshwaram-cafe-why-is-it-in-news-and-what-makes-it-famous-1709382963585" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/india-news/bengalurus-rameshwaram-cafe-why-is-it-in-news-and-what-makes-it-famous-1709382963585&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiNgryDptqEAxWd2TgGHeZ1AZEQvOMEKAB6BAgPEAE">Bengaluru’s Rameshwaram Cafe: Why Is It in News and What Makes It Famous?</a></strong></p>

<p>Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar assured residents not to worry, emphasising ongoing investigations and the formation of multiple teams to examine different aspects.</p>

<p>State Home Minister G Parameshwara urged cooperation from the opposition, emphasising the need to avoid politicising the incident. The investigation involves analysing CCTV footage, considering potential motives, and exploring all possible angles, including any elements of jealousy.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and several cabinet ministers received a threatening email on Tuesday (March 5), allegedly sent by an individual named Shahid Khan.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and several cabinet ministers received a threatening email on Tuesday (March 5), allegedly sent by an individual named Shahid Khan. The email, originating from the address Shahidkhan10786@protonmail.com, stated that an explosion would occur in Bengaluru at 2:48 pm on Saturday (March 9) if a ransom of $2.5 million was not paid. Also read: Rameshwaram cafe blast: India’s home ministry hands over case to anti-terror agency NIA The email threatened large-scale explosions on buses, trains, temples, hotels and public areas throughout Karnataka if the demanded amount was not provided. It further claimed that the next explosion would target the Ambari Utsav bus, with subsequent demands to be raised on social media, including the uploading of screenshots of the threatening email. The message specifically mentioned busy places such as restaurants, temples, buses or trains as potential targets, aiming at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, the state home minister and the Bengaluru police chief. Also read: Inside Bengaluru`s Rameshwaram Cafe blast: Man orders idli, flees leaving bag with explosives. WATCH In response to the bomb threat, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar expressed uncertainty about the authenticity of the threat, stating, "We don't know whether it is bogus, fraud, true, false, or blackmailer. We have sent it to our police officers. They are on the job." An investigation has been initiated, and a case has been registered. This incident follows an improvised explosive device (IED) blast at Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru on March 1, resulting in at least 10 injuries. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the investigation, considering various angles, including the possible involvement of IS cadres. The Bengaluru Police have registered a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Explosives Substances Act in connection with the cafe explosion. Also read: Bengaluru’s Rameshwaram Cafe: Why Is It in News and What Makes It Famous? Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar assured residents not to worry, emphasising ongoing investigations and the formation of multiple teams to examine different aspects. State Home Minister G Parameshwara urged cooperation from the opposition, emphasising the need to avoid politicising the incident. The investigation involves analysing CCTV footage, considering potential motives, and exploring all possible angles, including any elements of jealousy. (With inputs from agencies)

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar receive bomb threats via email

<p>Veteran Congress leader&nbsp;Siddaramaiah and KPCC president D K Shivakumar were sworn in as Karnataka's new Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister on Saturday (May 20)&nbsp;at Bengaluru's Sree Kanteerava Stadium. G Parameshwara, K H Muniyappa, K J George, M B Patil, Satish Jarkiholi, Priyank Kharge, Ramalinga Reddy, and B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan are among the Congress MLAs who have been sworn in as Ministers in Siddaramaiah's Cabinet.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="in"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah takes oath as the Chief Minister of Karnataka in Bengaluru. <a href="https://t.co/S90btY2N6z">pic.twitter.com/S90btY2N6z</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1659821010915594246?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The swearing-in ceremony&nbsp;was attended by Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and numerous Opposition party leaders, including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, NCP leader Sharad Pawar, and Former J&amp;K Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, as per ANI reports.</p>

<p>This follows days of heated discussions in which the Congress chose Siddaramaiah as chief minister and Shivakumar as his deputy. While Siddaramaiah, 75, is a backward-class politician with over five decades of political experience and is regarded as one of the state's three remaining mass leaders, KPCC president DK Shivakumar, who is from the Vokkaliga group, is regarded as the architect of the triumph in Karnataka.</p>

<h2><strong>Congress's victory in Karnataka</strong></h2>

<p>After a 10-year absence, the Congress returned to power in Karnataka on its own strength on May 13, with victories or leads in 137 of 224 seats.</p>

<p>The party has received an overwhelming mandate from the voters. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has borne the price for "various failures." The regional party, the Janata Dal (Secular), has once again demonstrated that it is not a force to be reckoned with throughout the state.</p>

<p>Karnataka was the BJP's lone southern state. The state upheld its tradition of not re-electing a political party.</p>

<p>There might be a variety of reasons why an election is won or lost. However, some elements become apparent. For example, the ruling BJP is still a party that needs to spread across the state. The Congress, on the other hand, is thoroughly anchored in each district.</p>

<p>A swing of 2-5 percentage points is enough for the Congress to prevail over the BJP. Unlike the BJP, the Congress state leaders accepted the responsibility of guiding the party to the polls, reported Moneycontrol.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhis-bigest-cyber-fraud-doctor-duped-of-rs-45-crore-548k-via-skype-calls-594502">Delhi’s ‘biggest cyber fraud’: Doctor duped of Rs 4.5 crore ($548K) via Skype calls</a></p>

<p>DK Shivakumar, the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee head, and former chief minister Siddaramaiah positioned the party brilliantly in front of the people. There was no let-up in their efforts to portray the ruling BJP as corrupt. Efforts began with the PayCM campaign months ago. The Congress didn't simply depend on its own strategy; it also enlisted the help of political organisations to boost its campaign.</p>

<p>Unlike the BJP, the Congress placed a high value on its senior Karnataka leadership. This has also contributed to the party's good mood today. The vote share of Congress has surpassed 40 per cent, a recent high. Surprisingly, the traditional Vokkaliga belt, primarily Mandya and Hassan, supported the Congress as well. The Congress has also received a lot of support over the years.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;G7 Hiroshima Meet 2023 | Modi Tells Zelenksy: Ongoing war a challenge for the whole world</strong></p>

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<p>Additionally, the corruption accusations levelled against the Basavaraj Bommai administration harmed the BJP's image. BJP state officials, including ministers, were unable to trumpet their accomplishments or explain to the public how the Narendra Modi-led administration at the Centre has benefited the people of Karnataka.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Veteran Congress leader Siddaramaiah and KPCC president D K Shivakumar were sworn in as Karnataka's new Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister on Saturday (May 20) at Bengaluru's Sree Kanteerava Stadium.

Veteran Congress leader Siddaramaiah and KPCC president D K Shivakumar were sworn in as Karnataka's new Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister on Saturday (May 20) at Bengaluru's Sree Kanteerava Stadium. G Parameshwara, K H Muniyappa, K J George, M B Patil, Satish Jarkiholi, Priyank Kharge, Ramalinga Reddy, and B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan are among the Congress MLAs who have been sworn in as Ministers in Siddaramaiah's Cabinet. #WATCH | Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah takes oath as the Chief Minister of Karnataka in Bengaluru. pic.twitter.com/S90btY2N6z — ANI (@ANI) May 20, 2023 × The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and numerous Opposition party leaders, including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, NCP leader Sharad Pawar, and Former J&K Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, as per ANI reports. This follows days of heated discussions in which the Congress chose Siddaramaiah as chief minister and Shivakumar as his deputy. While Siddaramaiah, 75, is a backward-class politician with over five decades of political experience and is regarded as one of the state's three remaining mass leaders, KPCC president DK Shivakumar, who is from the Vokkaliga group, is regarded as the architect of the triumph in Karnataka. Congress's victory in Karnataka After a 10-year absence, the Congress returned to power in Karnataka on its own strength on May 13, with victories or leads in 137 of 224 seats. The party has received an overwhelming mandate from the voters. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has borne the price for "various failures." The regional party, the Janata Dal (Secular), has once again demonstrated that it is not a force to be reckoned with throughout the state. Karnataka was the BJP's lone southern state. The state upheld its tradition of not re-electing a political party. There might be a variety of reasons why an election is won or lost. However, some elements become apparent. For example, the ruling BJP is still a party that needs to spread across the state. The Congress, on the other hand, is thoroughly anchored in each district. A swing of 2-5 percentage points is enough for the Congress to prevail over the BJP. Unlike the BJP, the Congress state leaders accepted the responsibility of guiding the party to the polls, reported Moneycontrol. ALSO READ | Delhi’s ‘biggest cyber fraud’: Doctor duped of Rs 4.5 crore ($548K) via Skype calls DK Shivakumar, the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee head, and former chief minister Siddaramaiah positioned the party brilliantly in front of the people. There was no let-up in their efforts to portray the ruling BJP as corrupt. Efforts began with the PayCM campaign months ago. The Congress didn't simply depend on its own strategy; it also enlisted the help of political organisations to boost its campaign. Unlike the BJP, the Congress placed a high value on its senior Karnataka leadership. This has also contributed to the party's good mood today. The vote share of Congress has surpassed 40 per cent, a recent high. Surprisingly, the traditional Vokkaliga belt, primarily Mandya and Hassan, supported the Congress as well. The Congress has also received a lot of support over the years. ALSO WATCH | G7 Hiroshima Meet 2023 | Modi Tells Zelenksy: Ongoing war a challenge for the whole world Additionally, the corruption accusations levelled against the Basavaraj Bommai administration harmed the BJP's image. BJP state officials, including ministers, were unable to trumpet their accomplishments or explain to the public how the Narendra Modi-led administration at the Centre has benefited the people of Karnataka. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Congress leader Siddaramaiah takes oath as Karnataka’s new CM, DK Shivakumar his deputy

<p>Pooh-poohing BJP chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa’s claim that his party will win 150 seats and form the government in the state on May 17, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called him ''mentally disturbed''.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''Yeddyurappa is mentally disturbed. Congress will get more than 120 seats. I am very confident.'' said the incumbent chief minister of the Congress party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also accused JD (S) of distributing money in Chamundeshwari constituency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>JD (S) has distributed a lot of money at Chamundeshwari constituency, the CM said and added that their candidate in the constituency claims that he is a society secretary, from where did he get so much money? he asked.</p>

<p>Accusing the&nbsp;BJP of is openly supporting JD (S), the CM said that they have&nbsp;fielded a dummy candidate in Chamundeshwari constituency. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier on Saturday, after casting his vote, BS Yeddyurappa exuded confidence that his party will form the new government in Karnataka on May 17 after thumping victory.</p>

<p>BS Yeddyurappa is the BJP candidate from Shikaripura.</p>

<p>Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala also expressed confidence of victory. Congress will win more than 130 seats and the corrupt and criminal Yeddy-Reddy gang will be rejected by the people of Karnataka.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Congress leader Ashok Gehlot questioned the timing of Modi's temple visits in Nepal. Modi's Temple visits in Nepal are aimed at influencing the voters, the Congress leader said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As there is a model code of conduct in Karnataka, PM Modi planned to pray at temples in Nepal instead, just to influence voters, he said and added that this is not a good trend for democracy. Why did he only choose today as the day? Gehlot asked.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''Over the years, I feel that malpractices have increased. Distribution of sarees. alcohol, dhotis and&nbsp;cookers have come out in open. It is not a good sign in democracy,'' former Karnataka Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde said after casting his vote at a polling booth in Bengaluru.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: As voting in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karnataka?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karnataka</a> continues, CM Siddaramaiah says, 'Yeddyurappa is mentally disturbed. Congress will get more than 120 seats. I am very confident.' <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/yE6isfZcYq">pic.twitter.com/yE6isfZcYq</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/995196979964596224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">JDS has distributed a lot of money, their candidate says he is a society secretary, so from where did he get so much money? Also, BJP is openly supporting JDS, they have put up a dummy candidate here: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on Chamundeshwari constituency <a href="https://t.co/TzQmd44S70">pic.twitter.com/TzQmd44S70</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/995213961657135106?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Congress leader Ashok Gehlot said Modi's Temple visits in Nepal are aimed at influencing the voters.

Pooh-poohing BJP chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa’s claim that his party will win 150 seats and form the government in the state on May 17, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called him ''mentally disturbed''. ''Yeddyurappa is mentally disturbed. Congress will get more than 120 seats. I am very confident.'' said the incumbent chief minister of the Congress party. He also accused JD (S) of distributing money in Chamundeshwari constituency. JD (S) has distributed a lot of money at Chamundeshwari constituency, the CM said and added that their candidate in the constituency claims that he is a society secretary, from where did he get so much money? he asked. Accusing the BJP of is openly supporting JD (S), the CM said that they have fielded a dummy candidate in Chamundeshwari constituency. Earlier on Saturday, after casting his vote, BS Yeddyurappa exuded confidence that his party will form the new government in Karnataka on May 17 after thumping victory. BS Yeddyurappa is the BJP candidate from Shikaripura. Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala also expressed confidence of victory. Congress will win more than 130 seats and the corrupt and criminal Yeddy-Reddy gang will be rejected by the people of Karnataka. Meanwhile, Congress leader Ashok Gehlot questioned the timing of Modi's temple visits in Nepal. Modi's Temple visits in Nepal are aimed at influencing the voters, the Congress leader said. As there is a model code of conduct in Karnataka, PM Modi planned to pray at temples in Nepal instead, just to influence voters, he said and added that this is not a good trend for democracy. Why did he only choose today as the day? Gehlot asked. ''Over the years, I feel that malpractices have increased. Distribution of sarees. alcohol, dhotis and cookers have come out in open. It is not a good sign in democracy,'' former Karnataka Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde said after casting his vote at a polling booth in Bengaluru. #WATCH: As voting in #Karnataka continues, CM Siddaramaiah says, 'Yeddyurappa is mentally disturbed. Congress will get more than 120 seats. I am very confident.' #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/yE6isfZcYq — ANI (@ANI) May 12, 2018 × JDS has distributed a lot of money, their candidate says he is a society secretary, so from where did he get so much money? Also, BJP is openly supporting JDS, they have put up a dummy candidate here: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on Chamundeshwari constituency pic.twitter.com/TzQmd44S70 — ANI (@ANI) May 12, 2018 ×

'Yeddyurappa is mentally disturbed': Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah

<p>Congress president <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnatakas-most-wanted-rahul-gandhi-fires-fresh-salvo-at-pm-modi-134769">Rahul Gandhi today jumped </a>into the debate linking him to take over India's top political office.</p>

<p>While interacting with eminent citizens <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjps-manifesto-is-poorly-crafted-fantasy-rahul-gandhi-134632">at a hotel in Bengaluru as part</a> of his Karnataka election campaign, a person asked him: if Congress emerges as the single largest party in 2019, then Mr Gandhi, will you be the prime ministerial candidate?</p>

<p>To this, Rahul Gandhi promptly replied: Why not.</p>

<p>Rahul had taken over as the president of the Congress party last year after his mother Sonia Gandhi stepped down due to ill health and over growing calls to make the young Gandhi scion as the head of the grand old party.</p>

<p>Rahul was elected as MP of Amethi in 2004 when the UPA swept to power beating the BJP-led NDA during the general elections surprising the then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.</p>

<p>The Congress president hasn't held a national-level political office and kept himself out of the Cabinet during UPA's ten-year tenure at the Centre.</p>

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The Congress president hasn't held a national-level political office and kept himself out of the Cabinet during UPA's ten-year tenure at the Centre.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi today jumped into the debate linking him to take over India's top political office. While interacting with eminent citizens at a hotel in Bengaluru as part of his Karnataka election campaign, a person asked him: if Congress emerges as the single largest party in 2019, then Mr Gandhi, will you be the prime ministerial candidate? To this, Rahul Gandhi promptly replied: Why not. Rahul had taken over as the president of the Congress party last year after his mother Sonia Gandhi stepped down due to ill health and over growing calls to make the young Gandhi scion as the head of the grand old party. Rahul was elected as MP of Amethi in 2004 when the UPA swept to power beating the BJP-led NDA during the general elections surprising the then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The Congress president hasn't held a national-level political office and kept himself out of the Cabinet during UPA's ten-year tenure at the Centre.

Is Rahul Gandhi ready to be PM? Why not, says Congress president

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