New Delhi:

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has been booked by the police for violating the model code during campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections. The case relates to a video of the Congress leader in which he allegedly told Bengaluru voters that if they voted for his brother DK Suresh, he would provide them with water from the Cauvery river. DK Suresh is competing in Bengaluru Country.

The state election commissioner said his speech violated the model code and police had opened a case for “bribery and undue influence on elections”.

An FIR was lodged against Dy by FST, Bengaluru. Chief Minister DK Shivakumar violated MCC while addressing apartment owners in RR Nagara. FIR No. 78/2024 of RMC Yard PS has been filed under IPC Section 171(B)(C)(E)(F) alleging bribery and undue influence on elections.

— Chief Electoral Officer, Karnataka (@ceo_karnataka) April 20, 2024

In a video clip that surfaced on social media, DK Shivakumar allegedly told residents of a housing society in his brother’s constituency that he was here to strike a “business deal” and would ensure supply if they voted for his brother Cauvery river water was given to them.

“I am here for a business meeting. You want Cauvery water and California site. All other issues are minor issues. What will you do to me if I complete these? I spoke to the commissioner about this issue. I asked What I believe in is sharing and caring,” Mr Shivakumar said while addressing a rally.

“You have to share your confidence with me so that I can take care of you. You voted by booth, not by candidate. I am DCM, BDA, Bengaluru and Water Minister – I am here for everything. Everything It’s all in your pocket. I come to your house, use me, vote for me and I will do this in two to three months,” he added.

Bengaluru residents have been facing a severe water crisis for the past two months. Bengaluru’s water supply comes mainly from two sources: the Cauvery River and groundwater. For most nonpotable uses, recycled water treated at a wastewater treatment plant is used. Since it hasn’t rained in a while, the main source has reached its limit.

Bengaluru requires 2600-2800 million liters of water per day and the current supply is only half of the requirement. The result is a daily struggle for the city’s residents.

Karnataka Lok Sabha polls will be held in two phases on April 26 and May 7 and the results for all seats will be announced on June 4.