As the clock has begun ticking for the bye-elections in Gundlupet and Nanjangud constituencies in Karnataka, it is an open battle between the ruling Congress and the BJP in the state. With the election heat growing, there has been no dearth of allegations of breach of code of conduct this time around too. In a latest, is it BJP's state president BS Yeddyurappa who is now in dock for giving Rs. 1 lakh to the widow of a farmer in Gundlupet on Friday. 

Chikkashetty, a farmer from Annukkeri village had committed suicide recently and when Yeddyurappa was in the village campaigning for his party, gave money to Chikkashetty's widow Savithri. 

Returning Officer for the Gundlupet bypolls, Nalin Atul, has filed a criminal case against Yeddyurappa, reports The Hindu.  A video of the said incident has reportedly gone viral, where Yeddyurappa can be seen handing over the money to Savithri. Former minister MP Renucharya is also seen in the video, reports The New Indian Express.

The Congress has demanded that the Election Commission register a case of breach of code of conduct against the BJP leader. 

Congress leader HA Venkatesh has reportedly filed a complaint with the State Election Commission. He accused the BJP leader of wooing the voters in the disguise of showing concern to farmers. 

However, admitting that he handed over money to the widow of the farmer, Yeddurappa claimed that he had given a "meagre amount" after seeing her plight. 

“When I saw her in tears, I forgot that it was the election time and that the election code of conduct was in force. If the Congress or others find fault with me for the small assistance I extended to her on humanitarian grounds, I am ready to give a reply as per the law and face the consequences," Yeddyurappa was quoted as saying. 

Corruption has become synonymous with BJP. Former BJP CM, BS Yeddyurappa has been caught bribing voters a day before a bypoll in Karnataka pic.twitter.com/CxfWQWLaGi

— INC India (@INCIndia) April 8, 2017