JOIN USYeddyurappa invites EC ire over reservation promise to caste
The Office of Chief Electoral Officer (OCEO), Karnataka, has sent a detailed report in this regard to the Election Commission of India as it would amount to violation of the model code of conduct, Chief Electoral Officer C S Suranjana told reporters on Thursday.
Yeddyurappa had reportedly stated in a public function in Hubli city that his Government will consider giving reservation to Adi Balijiga community. It is said the Chief Minister had tried to influence the community, which is one of the dominant communities in Gulbarga South constituency.
The CEO said he took note of the Chief Minister’s statement based on media reports and subsequently got a report from Dharwad district Deputy Commissioner in this regard. However, nobody has so far filed a formal complaint with the OCEO on the issue, he added.
The OCEO will take stringent action against all those who violate the model code of conduct, he warned.
Asked about the Government’s recent decision to withdraw cases pertaining to model code of conduct violations, Suranjana said the EC has already clarified that such cases cannot be withdrawn.
Cases in bypoll
The OCEO has seized illicit liquor worth over Rs 45,000 in both Kadur and Gulbarga south constituencies, booked 14 cases and arrested six persons in this connection.
As many as four cases of violation of model code of conduct have been filed against the ruling BJP and three against the JD(S) in Kadur. Violations include organising feast, bursting crackers, using vehicles without permission and taking out procession, he added.
As many as 11 candidates are in the fray in Gulbarga South, which has 2.10 lakh voters. IAS officer from Kerala Raju Narayana Swamy has been appointed as election observer in the constituency.
In Kadur, four candidates are in the fray and it has 1.76 lakh voters. IAS officer from Uttar Pradesh Navdeep Rinwa has been appointed as the election observer.