FIR filed against BJP candidate for exploiting religious

An FIR has been filed against sitting BJP MLA Sanjay Patil by electoral authorities for violating the model code of conduct by exploiting religious sentiments, an official said.

The Model Code of Conduct flying squad for the May 12 assembly polls filed the FIR"on Thursday night, its nodal officer Roogi said.

Patil had violated the model code of conduct by exploiting religious sentiments through his speech, he added.

In a potentially controversial remark, Patil had said that electoral contest in Karnataka was "not about roads and drinking water, but Hindu and Muslim religions".

Patil, Belagavi (Rural) MLA and BJP candidate, is seen making the purported remarks in a video shot in his constituency.

It was not known when the video, which went viral, was shot.

"This election is not about roads, drainage or drinking water. This election is about Hindu and Muslim religions," he told the crowd.

"Keeping a hand on my chest I say loudly, this is Bharat, this is the country of Hindus and this is the country where (Lord) Ram was born. We are prepared to do anything to construct Ram mandir in Ayodhya," Patil purportedly said in the footage.

Patil also told the crowd that the Congress favoured constructing a mosque in Ayodhya instead of a Ram temple.