CM Sawant’s wife denies violating election code of conduct

Panaji: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s wife and former BJP women’s wing president Sulakshana appeared before the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate in Bengaluru on Thursday in connection with the alleged violation of the model code of conduct during the recently concluded Karnataka Assembly elections.

Sulakshana told the magistrate that she had not violated the election code of conduct.

He said Congress candidate Anjali Nimbalkar’s allegation that she addressed a political program in a school hall in Khanapur is baseless.

Nimbalkar had filed a complaint before the Election Commission. “After losing the election he made false allegations. Sulakshana said, the complaint against me was filed out of frustration. The Bengaluru magistrate had issued summons to Sulakshana and directed her to appear in person to answer the charge.

The CM’s wife was at the forefront of the campaign in Khanapur, where she was appointed as BJP in-charge and observer. Sulakshana was campaigning for BJP candidate Vitthal Halgekar.

BJP had appointed several politicians from Goa, including CM and Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, to campaign in Khanapur and Belagavi region as the region has a large number of Marathi speakers.