Many of those contesting the gram panchayat elections in Hassan district are seeking votes by using the names of leaders of different political parties, in violation of the model code of conduct. The candidates are distributing pamphlets carrying the names and photographs of veteran political leaders and elected representatives. Those who have won their seats unopposed have started identifying themselves with some political parties, even though the election process in not yet over.
Asha, Geethamma, S. Nagesh Kumar, all contesting for Dudda Gram Panchayat, have distributed pamphlets carrying the names and photographs of Janata Dal (Secular) national president and MP H.D. Deve Gowda and Holenarsipur MLA H.D. Revanna, in violation of the Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act that bars political parties from having any role in gram panchayats.
Residents of Dudda on Monday filed a complaint with Deputy Commissioner Umesh H. Kusugal here against the contestants using the names of leaders of different political parties in their campaign. Bore Gowda and several others filed the complaint and sought action against the contestants concerned under Section 7 of the Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act.
B.C. Manje Gowda, Rangappa, Meenakshi and Nagamma were elected unopposed for Didaguru GP in Channarayapatna taluk. As soon as their victory was announced, they held a press conference at Channarayapatna and identified themselves as Congress candidates. When presspersons brought this to the notice of Mr. Kusugal, he said he could initiate any action only if there was a formal complaint lodged against them.
