Congress candidate for Hubballi-Dharwad Central constituency Mahesh Nalwad charged that election officers are misusing their power in the name of the model code of conduct for Assembly elections, and are troubling common people.
"A person from Delhi who was accompanied by foreigners, on his way from Bengaluru to Goa in a car, was stopped near Tadas Cross recently, and Rs 97,000 cash in the car was seized. Election officials made them wait for nearly six hours to complete the procedures," he said, alleging that people carrying a small amount of money are also being harassed.
Speaking to media persons here on Tuesday, Dr Nalwad expressed suspicion about the role of the Union Government in transferring government officials as per the direction of the Election Commission.
Transfer issue
The model code of conduct for Karnataka is for 47 days, while it was for lesser days for elections in the BJP-ruled States. Hubballi-Dharwad East constituency assistant returning officer and tahsildar Shashidhar Madyal was transferred. But, additional tahsildar Prakash Nashi, who is the brother of Leader of Opposition in Legislative Assembly Jagadish Shettar's wife, is not transferred though he is campaigning for a particular party, Dr Nalwad alleged.
There is a news that BJP leaders threw a party for doctors on Monday night. Doctors might have gone there as they were invited, but they would support me in the elections. Our legal cell is being consulted to lodge a complaint about this incident, he said.
"All those who tried to get Congress ticket have decided to work for the official candidate of the party, and I would talk to them once again," Dr Nalwad said.
Road development, dust-free city, proper underground drainage, water supply and streetlights, upgradation of sewage treatment plant, measures like underpasses to reduce traffic congestion, and the establishment of an SEZ to create jobs would be my priorities if I emerge victorious in the elections, he added.
