The Election Commission has reprimanded Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister K S Eswharappa for his provocative remarks leading to the violation of model code of conduct in the poll bound state. In its order, the Commission has also cautioned him to be careful in future.

Earlier, the Commission had issued a notice to Mr. Eswharappa for his provocative remarks while campaigning in Shimoga Assembly Constituency on the 9th of this month and asked him to submit his reply in this regard. The commission observed that the speech of Mr. Eswharappa was provocative and it has the effect of inciting communal feelings and promoting hatred and ill will between citizens of the country in surcharged election atmosphere which is prohibited under the model code of conduct.