In the wake of sting operations showing the MLAs accepting money to vote in the Rajya Sabha polls, Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizer Ananth Kumar on Friday welcomed the Election Commission's decision to order a CBI probe against the guilty in 'cash for vote' allegations.
Demanding a thorough investigation into the matter, Kumar told ANI that horse trading is an old habit of the Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) leaders.
"I welcome the decision of the Central Election Commission of ordering a CBI probe in the matter. Horse trading has been an old practice of both Congress and JD(S). There has to be a thorough investigation and whoever has become a prey to this horse trading should be brought to book," said Kumar.
Taking a strict view of the allegations, the Election Commission has asked the Centre to hand over the investigation to the CBI, while directing it to register FIR against MLA Mallikarjuna Khuba and others involved.
"The whole matter be entrusted to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for carrying out a stringent investigation to punish all those who may be involved in such nefarious activities," the Election Commission said in its statement.
"The Returning Officer for the biennial election to Rajya Sabha by members of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly to file an FIR against Mallikarjuna Khuba, and others involved, under the provisions of section 171B of the Indian Penal Code and the relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988," the statement added.
