Cong, BJP get notices over use of actor pics

The returning officer has issued notices to MLA Doddanagouda Patil (BJP) and former MLA Amaregouda Bayyapur (Congress), as BJP and Congress supporters were found using the pictures of actors Ganesh and Sudeep on Facebook to canvass for votes.

Prashant, the returning officer, has ordered that the two leaders should reply to the notices issued to them within 24 hours, failing which a case will be registered against them as per the order of the election commission.

The district election officer had ordered the returning officer to take action against those violating the model code of conduct, following a complaint received by the district control room.

The returning officer said the photos of the actors had been used without taking their permission. He said action would be taken after the leaders reply to the notices.