The residents of ward 16 of the city municipal council staged a protest in front of the DC’s office demanding re-poll here. The protesters led by JD(S) youth wing leader K Bharat, who is also the son of JD(S) candidate K Sharadamma complained that the election code of conduct has been violated. They submitted a memorandum to DC Naveenraj Singh complaining that the voters’ list containing the names of voters who were excluded in the list formed in 2006 were not provided to the contesting candidate. They complained that proxy votes were cast by the Congress and BJP for those who have gone to other states and abroad. The polling booths which were to be opened at 7 am in the presence of the agents of the three parties, were opened at 6.30 am in the presence of the just two party agents. Moreover, many voters have been added in the list of voters who passed away.

Though a protest was staged on the spot opposing the violation of the code of conduct, officials did not respond for over two hours.

On the contrary, police officers of Basavanahalli police station arrested the protesters and took them away. Hence, action should be taken against the official, Bharath demanded.