MLCs' TA and DA scam: Poll panel washes its hands off?

Bengaluru: The Election Commission is not likely to look into the wrongdoings of eight MLCs who were found to be involved in the TA and DA scam. 

The BBMP commissioner, N. Manjunath Prasad submitted a report to the chief electoral officer, Anil Kumar Jha on Wednesday holding responsible the eight MLCs, two from JD (S) one Independent and five from the ruling Congress on two counts: illegally claiming TA and DA and violating the rules while re-registering their names in electoral rolls .According to the report, the MLCs claimed TA/DA from their home constituencies even after they changed their residence to Bengaluru after deleting their names from the voter list in  home constituencies

Mr Jha told Deccan Chronicle that his jurisdiction does not permit him to inquire and take action against such alleged financial irregularities. "I have no authority  as far as the TA and DA case is concerned. It should be looked into by a competent authority," he said.

However, he said he had received the BBMP commissioner's report on Wednesday.  "I will ask the Assistant electoral officers to give reports on violation of rules in re-registration of their names by these MLAs in Bengaluru." 

Asked what is the penalty if the JD(S) and Congress MLCs were found violating rules, Mr Jha said, "I will seek the expert view of lawyers in the Election Commission and will then take a call on what course of action can be taken in this case."

Meanwhile, Council chairman D.H. Shankaramurthy seems to be  exploring the possibility of taking the case further. He, however, said that he would be cautious while mulling options  as this is the first-of-its-kind case in Karnataka.