The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : `Janata Dal (S) will not misuse official machinery'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Nov 27, 2006
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

`Janata Dal (S) will not misuse official machinery'

Special Correspondent

Deve Gowda refutes charges against party

H.D.Deve Gowda

BANGALORE: Former Prime Minister and president of the Janata Dal (Secular) H.D. Deve Gowda has refuted allegations that his party was misusing official machinery for the byelection to the Assembly from the Chamundeshari constituency.

In a statement issued here on Sunday, Mr. Deve Gowda said, "We are convinced that such allegations are being levelled by anti-Karnataka forces which are facing imminent defeat in the coming elections and are looking for alibis and excuses to save their face. I am deeply hurt by the allegations carried by a section of the media on the alleged misuse of official machinery by the Janata Dal (S) in the run-up to the byelection. This is contrary to facts and the ground reality."

He said the Janata Dal (S) had consistently maintained that the Election Commission was responsible for the conduct of free and fair elections. Neither Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy nor any other political leader had interfered in the functioning of the Election Commission. "As a responsible political party committed to upholding democratic values, the Janata Dal (S) will not violate the code of conduct. As such, observers of the Election Commission are in the constituency keeping a watch on violations, if any," he said.

The administration, including the upkeep of law and order in the constituency, was now under the supervision of the Election Commission. Hence, reports in a section of the media pertaining to the alleged interference by the Chief Minister apart from instances of anti-social activities and abduction being carried out by Janata Dal (S) activists were baseless and meaningless. "The Janata Dal (S) has nothing to do with such reported anti-social activities," Mr. Deve Gowda said.

He said the people of the State were aware of the "evil designs" of such forces and would give them a fitting reply in the byelection. "It is common knowledge that some people are unhappy with the development and progress being ushered in by the Chief Minister of the State," he added.

In another statement, Mr. Kumaraswamy also refuted the allegations pertaining to the misuse of official machinery and complaints relating to the election campaign of a political party being prevented. "A section of the media has reported that the people of one political party are being prevented from campaigning in some villages, and this act had the blessings of the Chief Minister. This is another baseless allegation" apparently being spread to defame the Janata Dal (S) and the Chief Minister.

Mr. Kumaraswamy said that it was the duty of political parties to abide by the code of conduct and ensure that elections were held in a peaceful atmosphere and in a free and fair manner. It was also the right of every political party and candidates concerned to campaign.

The Chief Minister said the State Government was committed to abide by the steps taken by the Election Commission for a peaceful, free and fair byelection.

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