The EC has asked the BJP candidate to explain the transfer of funds from the family firm
On Sunday, the Election Commission asked the BJP candidate for the Munugode Assembly by-election, K. Rajagopal Reddy, to explain the recent transfer of funds from his family-owned company to 23 individuals and companies located in the constituency.
According to the EC’s letter to Reddy, it was informed that a representation had been received from Telangana Rashthra Samiti general secretary Soma Bharath Kumar alleging that Rs.5.24 crore had been transferred from Reddy’s family-owned business, Sushee Infra and Mining Ltd., for the purpose of a “voter inducement” on October 14, 18 and 19.
It is Reddy’s duty to ensure that the funds are not used for voter inducement, which is considered a “corrupt practice” under the Model Code of Conduct if the transfers were indeed made by Reddy or under his direction by the family-run company. Reddy was asked to provide his response by 4 p.m. on Monday in order for the EC to be able to make an appropriate decision.
