Karnataka Poll schedule not leaked, mere speculation: Election Commission

New Delhi : An in-house committee set up by the Election Commission to probe leak of Karnataka Poll dates found that it was a mere speculation.

BJP's IT cell chief had tweeted Karnataka Poll schedule moments before the official announcement on March 27. However, the dates of counting tweeted were wrong.

The committee found out that like media channels, the BJP leader made a speculation over the announcement of Karnataka Poll dates.

"As pointed out by (a private TV channel) in its response, the alleged leak was not a leak and was merely speculation. Thus, the committee is of the opinion that there was no leak of schedule of elections to Karnataka Legislative Assembly 2018," the committee said it its report.

The committee also mentioned that announcement of Karnataka Poll dates is an integral part of the electoral process.

"It is the responsibility of all the stakeholders including media and political parties not to attempt any speculation that may create unnecessary doubts in the minds of our stakeholders and citizens at large.

The commission may like to convey this concern to the stakeholders in its future interactions," the report said.

Karnataka will vote on May 12 with counting on May 15.