Action sought against UoM professors for poll code breach

The Election officials have written a letter to the University of Mysore (UoM) seeking action against two professors, who urged the people to support the Congress party during a programme held on Friday.

The authorities have written the letters against Journalism professor B P Mahesh Chandra Guru and Kannada professor Aravinda Malagatti, both serving the UoM.

The professors had participated in a programme called 'Janarajakarana', organised by the Karnataka Rajya Hindulida Vargagala Jagrutha Vedike and other organisations, in the city, on Friday and urged the people to support the Congress in the upcoming election.

Chamundeshwari Assembly segment election returning officer, also Mysuru Sub-Division Assistant Commissioner, B Venkatesh, has written to UoM Registrar D Bharati to take action against the professors in question as per the University Act. He said, as they belong to the university, the varsity has to take action against them as per the University Act. The issue is also being brought to the notice of District Election Officer K B Sivakumar, he informed.

UoM Registrar D Bharati said, no employee is allowed to take part in political party campaigns and it is a clear violation of the model code of conduct. The varsity will take action if the election officers refer the case to the varsity. However, no communication is received in connection with the case, so far, she said.

The Registrar said, no government employee or staff of an autonomous body can participate in political party campaigns.

The communication may reach the Registrar on Monday as Saturday is a holiday.