Addressing a press conference at the JD(S) Office here on Saturday, Rajendra said that the BJP has politicised the Panchayatiraj election by distributing handbills, which carries the photographs of Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, National General Secretary Ananthakumar and other leaders. “The Election Commission should take appropriate action against the government and BJP, based on the evidence,” he demanded.

Rajendra charged that BJP government gave opportunity to former Food and Civil Supplies Minister Hartal Halappa to obtain anticipatory bail by not arresting him. The BJP government does not respect women, he added.

Rajendra said that JD(S) senior leaders are refraining from participating in Gram Panchayat election campaign programmes. It is a Constitutional mandate that the Panchayatiraj elections should be held without politics. However, MLAs of BJP in the district are seen campaining for their candidates openly. They are also trying to put pressure on officials to ensure victory of their candidates, he alleged adding that some officials are working as BJP members.

Rajendra alleged that the Taluk Office has been converted as a BJP office that political discussions are being conducted inside the office. “The Tahsildar, who work for one political party, should be transferred till the end of election,” he urged.