'Issue white paper on water levels in State reservoirs'

Government supplied 24-hour water to woo voters: B L Shankar

“State government should issue a white paper with regard to the statistics of water levels at various reservoirs in the state, including before the declaration of election and after the election,” demanded Congress spokesperson and former Council chairman B L Shankar.

He alleged that the government had supplied round the clock power supply in the state with an aim to influence voters. Hence, he said, “water level in all the reservoirs in the state has been reduced considerably. It was violation of code of conduct by the BJP government,” he charged addressing mediapersons here.

Government should declare in detail the total quantity of water which was available before the election, power produced till election and and the power being produced at present in detail, he urged.

Talking about the reduction in the voting turnout, Shankar said that discrepancies in the electoral roll led to the decrease in the turnout. Moreover, the names of minority voters were deleted from the electoral roll intentionally by the government, he alleged adding that it was an anti-democratic policy.

He said that the process of distribution of photo identity card was also not fool-proof.

There were several instances of mistakes in the identity card. Hence the Election Commission should take initiative to introduce a multi-purpose fool-proof identity card, he suggested.

Election Commission should take note of the fact that many new candidates could not campaign properly, since the code of conduct prevented them from using posters, banners and loud speakers during campaign period. “It is quiet natural that frequent elections create an aversion in people mind. Hence, election to Lok Sabha and Assemblies should be conducted simultaneously,” he suggested.

Shankar said that the Election Commission should think of declaring nearest candidate as an MLA, if an elected member resigns from the post without genuine reasons. This will help to reduce the phenomena of MLAs changing the party after they were elected, he opined.

He said that the climate factor also influence voters in the election. Some voters do not come out to vote in the scorching heat of summer. It would be better if elections were conducted during October or November, he suggested adding that Election Commission should discuss such issues with all parties before election.

Those who are engaged in Naxal activities in the Malnad region were making use of the opportunity since the government had failed to implement laws protecting the rights of tribals and Scheduled Caste people, he said. Naxal activities can be checked to certain extent if the rights of tribals were protected. Title deeds should be distributed to tribals and those who live in forests before the assembly session, he urged.

Party general secretary Dr D L Vijayakumar, vice-preident M L Moorthi, spokesperson A N Mahesh and Town Municipality member B L Sandeep were present.