Income Tax Raids At Congress Leaders’ Premises Ahead of Elections

The Income Tax Dept conducted raids at 2 premises of Karnataka Congress leader Gangadhar Gowda & his son’s educational institution, ahead of Karnataka Polls 2023.

The Income Tax Department conducted raids on Monday at the residences of Karnataka Congress leader Gangadhar Gowda and an educational institution in Belthangady, Dakshina Kannada. The educational institution belongs to Gowda’s son Ranjan Gowda. 

The seizures in poll-bound Karnataka since the model code of conduct came into force on 29 March totalled over ₹250 crore, including cash, liquor, gold, silver, freebies, and drugs/narcotics. 

The elections to the 224-member assembly in Karnataka will be held on 10 May, and the counting of votes will be done on 13 May. 

Political parties have started high-voltage campaigns in the state for the Karnataka polls. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Congress Party’s Rahul Gandhi are campaigning in different districts in Karnataka. 

The ruling BJP is going all out to retain power in the state where the principal opposition Congress is vying to unseat it even as the JD(S) remains an important player with just weeks to go for polling.

Since the model code of conduct (MCC) came into force on 29 March in Karnataka, enforcement agencies have seized over ₹250 crore worth of cash, liquor, gold and silver, freebies, and drugs/narcotics. 

As many as 1,930 FIRs have been booked regarding these seizures. The seizures before the announcement of the May 10 Assembly polls totaled about ₹58 crore from March 9 to March 27. 

The use of cash and corruption in elections has a negative impact on the democratic process and can lead to the influence of illegal money in the political system. 

It can also lead to unfair advantages for certain candidates and parties, creating an uneven playing field for all participants.

Also Read:- ₹8 Crore Cash Seized In Karnataka Ahead Of Elections, 3 Incidents In 2 Weeks