NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Wednesday reprimanded Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on the ground that he announced a self-employment scheme for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Mysore on November 20, violating the model code of conduct.

In an order, the commission said scrutiny had shown that it was a new announcement and not an ongoing scheme as contended by the Chief Minister in his reply to a notice issued by it.

"The commission is of the considered opinion that H.D. Kumaraswamy, Chief Minister of Karnataka State, has violated para VII of the Model Code of Conduct and for the said act, the Commission has decided to reprimand him and further cautioned him to be extra careful in future."

The panel said it had issued a notice to the Chief Minister on November 23 seeking his explanation with regard to the announcement he made of the Swayam Udyog Yojana scheme, which provides loans to SC/STs, while addressing a gathering in Mysore on November 20.

In his reply the next day, the Chief Minister said he had not announced any new scheme, but only made a mention about a scheme already in operation. The poll panel considered the explanation and found that "Mr. Kumaraswamy could not produce any document or evidence that proves that the scheme... was already launched by the Government of Karnataka before the model code of conduct came into force."

Congress delegation

Meanwhile, a Congress delegation called on the Election Commission on Wednesday and complained about "corrupt" practices engaged in by the ruling party and the State Government in the byelection. The delegation comprised Motilal Vora, Ahmed Patel, Abhishek Singhvi, Ashok Gehlot and Mukul Wasnik.

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