Former HC judge bats for free and transparent elections

Former judge of Karnataka High Court Arali Nagaraj, on Monday, said, the political parties should issue tickets only to the aspirants who submit a ‘certificate of honesty’ to the Election Commission for the upcoming Assembly elections.

Speaking at a programme here, Nagaraj said, corruption is the root of several problems facing the country.

“Politicians representing the people in the Parliament, Legislative Assembly, District, Taluk and village level local bodies should be perceptive. Elections should be held in a transparent way, without using money and muscle power. It should not be caste-biased. The parties should not choose the aspirants with a criminal background. A letter has been written to the state presidents of the Congress, BJP, JD(S) and other parties. I hope for a corruption-free election,” he said.

Campaign

Nagaraj said, he would take out an awareness campaign in support of transparent elections, across the state. Youths and students have extended their total cooperation. I will meet activist Anna Hazare and seek his support for the movement, he said.

“As a judge, I had certain limitations. Now, I am free. So, I am involved in a campaign against corruption and transparent elections. The corrupt electoral practices would affect the democratic set up. The people should introspect and strive for improvement right from the polling booth level. People should not get lured by money and should vote honestly,” he added.

NOTA awareness

The Supreme Court has given people the power of NOTA (None of the Above) in the elections, but has failed to create awareness among the people about its utility. Hence, the campaign will include awareness on the use of NOTA for choosing a better leader. Only those with moral values should become people’s representatives, Nagaraj said.