Karnataka: Former CM Basavaraja Bommai, ex-minister Sriramulu accused in BJP ticket scam case

Startling developments have emerged in the scandal surrounding the alleged misappropriation of money for securing BJP tickets in the Hagaribommanahalli Assembly Constituency, located in Vijayanagara District. The accused, Revanasiddappa, has made a bold claim, stating that he played a prominent role within the BJP and personally facilitated the distribution of tickets, including those of the former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and former Minister B. Sriramulu.

Earlier, Chaitra Kundapura was detained for receiving a sum of 5 crore from a businessman Govinda Babu Pujari promising him a BJP ticket. Two individuals, Chaitra Kundapur and members of the Abhinava Halashree team from Halaswami Mutt in Hirehadagali, Hadagali taluk, have already been arrested in connection with the ticket fraud. 
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This recent revelation exposes yet another instance of ticket fraud, this time involving the Hagaribommanahalli Assembly Constituency in Vijayanagara District.

Revanasiddappa, the accused at the center of this ticket scam, has boldly claimed that he facilitated the distribution of BJP tickets to numerous influential figures in the past. His persuasive tactics have allegedly led many individuals to trust him and part with substantial sums of money. He asserted that he had arranged BJP tickets for prominent politicians during the 2013 and 2018 state assembly elections, including former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and former Minister B. Sriramulu.

One victim of this scam, retired engineer Shivamurthy, recounted his ordeal of losing a significant amount of money without receiving the promised BJP ticket. He mentioned, "When Sriramulu of Bellary returned to the BJP, I had already paid for a ticket assigned by Basavaraj Bommai." 

Revanasiddappa manipulated the situation by falsely claiming that Shivamurthy's contribution was crucial due to their shared roots in the area where Sriramulu had grown up. Shivamurthy, who had invested in the belief that he would secure a BJP ticket, eventually realized he had been deceived.

Shivamurthy further explained that he had been persuaded by Revanasiddappa's claims of providing BJP tickets to prominent individuals across the state. After he failed to obtain the ticket he was promised, Shivamurthy sought a refund of his money. 

However, the situation took a darker turn when threats of violence were issued, and he was coerced into writing a check. Shivamurthy, the deceived party, lamented that all the bank checks he issued had been mishandled.

• Basavaraja Bommai
• Udupi case
• Chaitra Kundapura
• BJP ticket fraud