'Violation of law in scrutiny of nominations in Maravoor GP'

Addressing a press meet here on Monday, he said “Gram Panchayat Secretary had violated the guidelines given by the Election Commission and was responsible for rejecting the nomination of a former Gram Panchayat member Nagesh.” He said “Nagesh had been Gram Panchayat member for the last 10 years. However, his nomination was rejected by issuing a certificate that his trade license has not been renewed and he has to pay a tax of Rs 850 to the Gram Panchayat.

In reality, Nagesh had applied for trade license in 2007. The licence was issued on condition that after one year, if it was not renewed, then the license will automatically lapse. Nagesh had not renewed the license and accordingly, he need not pay the tax to Gram Panchayat. However, Gram Panchayat Secretary issued a certificate stating that he had to pay a tax of Rs 850 to the Gram Panchayat. Hence the Returning Officer rejected his nomination.”

Jain said “after he enquired the same with higher authorities including HQA, they have agreed that there was gross violation by the Gram Panchayat Secretary. Interestingly, Gram Panchayat Secretary had issued another certificate to Nagesh which stated that he need not pay tax to Gram Panchayat on the following day.”

In another incident, the nomination of another candidate Krishnappa Poojary was rejected as Poojary had approached the court when the Gram Panchayat had increased the rent for the shop which he had owned. The court has not yet given its verdict in favour of the Gram Panchayat or Poojary. However, his nomination was rejected citing the reason of approaching the court.  Jain said “in both the cases, some influential persons have directed the Gram Panchayat Secretary to act according to their whims and fancy.” Jain said “as we felt that government will not provide justice to these candidates, we have decided to approach High Court.”

Water woes

Stating that Dakshina Kannada district has been facing severe shortage of water during April and May, he said no measures have been taken to solve the problem. Inspite of Central government sanctioning funds for digging borewells, no borewells have been dug to ease the shortage of water.

The contractors have not been paid for the road work in the district. Hence majority of the contractors are refusing to work, he added.  Former MLA Vijaykumar Shetty said voters will teach a lesson to the ruling party in the Gram Panchayat polls.