Election code violations galore; Narayanaswamy files papers

M Narayanaswamy, former Congress legislator and chairman of Karnataka Warehouse Corporation  went in a procession to tahsildar’s office after taking part in the meeting of constituency-level party workers. He submitted his nomination papers to election officer Syeda Nilofaur Jabina.

Party workers had been brought from various places by vehicles. Party flags and buntings were ubiquitous all along the route.

More than 40 tamate players were in the procession and crackers were burst in front of the tahsildar's office. Triple raiding on bikes was common. More than 20 persons were allowed into tahsildar’s office at the time of filing nomination. Traffic was affected as over 25 vehicles were parked on either side of the road. Narayanaswamy filed the nomination on the day the election was notified.

Speaking to reporters, Narayanaswamy said he had ‘convinced’ the chief minister to release more than 75 crore to the constituency in the last three months. He promised to work the development of the constituency if voted to power.

While the meeting of the party workers was scheduled at 11 am, Narayaswamy came at 2 pm, followed by BJP state president K S Eshwarappa and and C T Ravi. Tension prevailed for a while as hungry party workers gatecrashed during distribution of food packets. No arrangements were made to provide drinking water.

Addressing the workers, Eshwarappa termed the bypolls to three constituencies “trial by fire” for the Yeddyurappa government.

He said the Opposition parties were attempting to dislodge the BJP government fearing that they (opposition) will have no future if the BJP continued in power.

He urged the voters to teach a ‘befitting’ lesson to Opposition parties by ensuring the victory of Narayanaswamy.

There was no enthusiastic response to the party workers meet. Candidate Narayanswsamy, who came to the venue twice was seen asking the organisers to ensure more attendance. The only entertainment for the workers was the uninterrupted ‘tamate’ beats.

Sink differences

The meeting also became an occasion to sink differences in the party cadres. All the ‘disgruntled’ leaders were invited to the meeting.

Narayanaswamy and B P Venkatamuniyappa came together at the meeting. The latter said that he respects the party decision to field Narayanaswamy. The first president of the district BJP, V Hanumappa was also spotted.