‘Will cut electricity if you don’t vote for us’: Karnataka Cong MLA

Congress MLA Raju Kage from Karnataka's Kagwad constituency stirred controversy after he was captured on camera issuing threats of power cuts if voters failed to ensure a significant victory for the Congress party in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. In a video that rapidly circulated on social media platforms, Kage unabashedly warned the public while soliciting votes in Kagwad, Belagavi.

If you do not Vote us, We will disconnect your electricity - Karnataka Congress MLA Raju Kage. pic.twitter.com/TAHBCIDJdu

— Wali(Modi Ka Parivar) (@Netaji_bond_)

If you do not Vote us, We will disconnect your electricity - Karnataka Congress MLA Raju Kage. pic.twitter.com/TAHBCIDJdu

— Wali (@Netaji_bond_) May 1, 2024

">May 1, 2024

In the footage, Kage can be heard stating in Kannada, "If I don’t get more votes, we will disconnect your electricity. Therefore, that shouldn’t happen. I will stick to my words." He further referenced the previous assembly elections, implying that insufficient support for the Congress resulted in providing "lesser electricity to the people."

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The Bharatiya Janata Party swiftly condemned Kage's remarks, labeling the threat to voters as unacceptable. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala criticized the Congress party, asserting that it was not a 'Mohabbat Ki Dukaan' (store of love) but rather 'Dhamki Ke Bhaijan' (threat master).

This incident is not isolated, as Kage has a history of making controversial statements. On the same day, he made derogatory remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, igniting further backlash. The BJP seized upon Kage's comments to launch a scathing attack on the Congress, amplifying tensions amid the ongoing electoral process.