MYSORE: Bogadi on the outskirts of the city has become a bone of contention between political parties in the ensuing byelection to the Chamundeshwari Assembly constituency in view of the hostile atmosphere created by suspected Janata Dal (Secular) workers.

At least two candidates, Janata Dal (United) candidate A.S. Guruswamy and Samajwadi Party candidate Karunakara have complained about not being allowed to campaign by suspected Janata Dal (S) activists.

They alleged that followers and leaders of Janata Dal (S) were threatening them with dire consequences.

No security

Mr. Guruswamy alleged that Janata Dal (S) workers stopped him from campaigning in Bogadi area and the police personnel present failed to provide security. He lodged a complaint with the Election Commission in this regard.

A similar complaint was registered by Mr. Karunakara.

He said a group of people stopped him from entering Bogadi. Congress MLC Mallajamma was allegedly "detained and subjected to house arrest" when she visited Dasankoppal, close to Bogadi. It was alleged that activists of the Janata Dal (S) gheraoed her and prevented her from campaigning for Congress candidate Siddaramaiah.

Later, more than 400 Congress workers assembled in front of the Police Superintendent's office and accused the Government of misusing its administrative machinery and criticised it for the collapse in law and order.

The reaction of Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy to the alleged disruption by caused by the Janata Dal (S) workers drew flak from other political parties.

Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda urged the authorities concerned to provide protection to the candidates, who wanted to campaign in areas, where Janata Dal (S) workers were said to be obstructing campaigning.

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