Polls become festivity without sheen, thanks to EC

[email protected] (CD Network)
May 4, 2013
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Mangalore, May 4: Politics is a cult in India and election, a festival. However, this assembly election has made history by throwing apart the usual norm of pomp and gaiety that election brings along because this election has been branded as the most 'low-key' polls ever held.

With the poll show ending on Friday at 5 pm, political campaigning in coastal Karnataka this time was punctuated by a limited number of national and state leaders visiting the district, number of public rallies that could be counted on fingertips, absolutely no hint of any large sized publicity banners, unimpressive number of advertising content, disappearance of corner meetings, 'jatha' and procession-free campaigns, limited number of printing and distribution of pamphlets besides others.

The stricter approach deployed by the Election Commission this time has been the prime reason for this. The district administration is proud that it has been able to implement the vision of the Election Commission effectively. The method adopted to oversee the campaigning processes has been ideal this time, say many. But there is also the other camp which feels that the campaigning process could have been pepped up a bit more.

In a way the election campaigning processes have been carried out as per the directive of the officials and the Election Commission. In case of overseeing of the campaigning expenses too, the Election Commission's line has been toed. Election officials have seen to it that politicians do not dominate them at any stage.

Another interesting feature of this election season is that the election process itself obtained more publicity compared to publicity of politicians and political parties. Under the district administration, a widespread publicity campaign for election was carried out this time.

Ever since the announcement of election, this process was initiated by the district administration at all levels on a war footing. The SVEEP (Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation) initiative of the Election Commission also helped big time.

While in the past, banners, cut-outs and all kinds of exterior publicity material was used by politicians and political parties, this time all these tools were used by the district administration and Election Commission to create awareness about the election process. The election process hogged limelight more than candidates this time.

Meanwhile, leaders from national and state level did descend to Dakshina Kannada district for campaigning. The list includes Sonia Gandhi, Narendra Modi, Brinda Karat, Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley, Oscar Fernandes, Oommen Chandy, M Veerappa Moily, Ambika Soni, Dr. G Parameshwar B Janardhana Poojary and D V Sadananda Gowda. From the cinema world Ramya, Tara and Bhavana were seen campaigning in the district.

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News Network
September 25,2024

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In a significant development, a special court tasked with handling cases against Members of Parliament and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MP/MLAs) has ordered that a First Information Report (FIR) be filed regarding the Muda case.

Additionally, the Karnataka Lokayukta, which is an anti-corruption body, has been tasked with investigating allegations against Siddaramaiah, who is reportedly involved in the case.

The court instructed the Lokayukta (an anti-corruption authority) to provide a report within three months. It also ordered the relevant authorities to file a First Information Report (FIR) regarding the case.

Judge Santhosh Gajanan Bhat issued the directive, compelling the Mysuru Lokayukta police to commence an investigation following a formal complaint lodged by Snehamayi Krishna. 

The Karnataka Lokayukta in Mysuru is required to carry out the investigation under Section 156 (3) of the Criminal Procedure Code, which mandates the registration of a First Information Report (FIR).

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News Network
October 3,2024

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Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao reminded that V D Savarkar was not against cow slaughter as he himself was non-veg eater, PTI reported on Thursday.

"As a Brahmin he was eating meat, and he was openly propagating eating meat," said the minister at an event in Bengaluru.

Reacting to Gundu Rao's claim, BJP MP Anurag Thakur called Congress a "factory of lies" as he warned that India won't tolerate any disrespect towards Savarkar.

"By disrespecting Veer Savarkar they have shown that they don't respect freedom fighters. During the Congress government, Sardar Bhagat Singh was termed a separatist in textbooks...By making those who want to break the nation join the congress party, Rahul Gandhi is taking forward the ideology of 'tukde tukde' and he is a 'modern Jinnah' who speaks ill of the country abroad...," he said.

Meanwhile, a court in Maharashtra's Nashik district summoned Congress MP Rahul Gandhi earlier this week in a defamation case filed against him for his alleged objectionable remarks against the Hindutva ideologue.

The complainant, who is the director of an NGO, claimed he watched a press conference addressed by Gandhi in Hingoli and also a speech made by the Congress leader in November 2022.

He alleged that Gandhi, on the two occasions, by his words and visual representations knowingly harmed the reputation of Veer Savarkar and also tried to defame the latter's image in the society.

According to the complainant, Gandhi said "Savarkar is BJP and RSS jin" which was defamatory in nature.

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News Network
October 4,2024

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Mysuru: Chairman of JD(S) core committee and Chamundeshwari constituency MLA G T Devegowda on Thursday expressed his solidarity with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah saying the latter need not resign, while lambasting leaders of his own party and alliance partner BJP, including Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy.

In his speech during Mysuru Dasara inauguration he said that if persons against whom FIR is registered have to resign, many leaders from all the three parties, including Opposition Leader R Ashoka, will have to resign.

“All are sitting in glass houses... Since I know Siddaramaiah well, I am talking about him. At a time when mines and real estate are ruling politics, Siddaramaiah has survived in politics. He has never done any favour,” Devegowda said.

He added, “Allegations against Siddaramaiah are unexpected and accidental. If the Governor and Chief Justice order an investigation, it does not mean that he should resign."

He continued, asking, "Have they told Siddaramaiah to resign or have they asked to imprison him? When a person becomes a Central minister, he or she should realise their dignity and responsibility. Instead of recognising the good work done by Siddaramaiah, they ask him to resign. Will Kumarswamy (facing an FIR) resign? Should Siddaramaiah, who has become CM with a support of 135 MLAs, resign?"

"Opposition leaders are not remembering the good work of earlier CMs Kengal Hanumanthaiah, Veerendra Patil, Ramakrishna Hegde, H D Deve Gowda or S M Krishna. Karnataka is a model state. It is a bad trend to topple an elected government which is doing good work,” he further said.

Devegowda added, “Siddaramaiah is Goddess Chamundeshwari’s ‘Varaputra’ and hence has her blessings during tough times. He won the election in Chamundeshwari Assembly constituency, when the BJP-JD(S) government was in power in 2006. With the blessings of the Goddess, he has held varied positions right from becoming an MLA for the first time in 1983. He presented 15 budgets and has become CM for a second time. He took H C Mahadevappa, a Dalit leader to the state level. Siddaramaiah has the support of Deputy CM D K Shivakumar as ‘Jodeththu’. Blessings of the beneficiaries of guarantee schemes are with him (Siddaramaiah).” 

Siddaramaiah said, “Devegowda was a MUDA member. He knows the truth. Hence, he is saying this. His words have filled strength in me. ‘Satyameva Jayate’, Truth will always triumph.” 

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