Karnataka - Mysore   

Bogadi becomes a bone of contention among parties

Staff Correspondent

Candidates allege that Janata Dal (S) workers are obstructing their campaign

INFUSING CONFIDENCE: Paramilitary forces marching through Bogadi and other villages to instil confidence among the villagers of a free and fair poll. — PHOTO: M.A. SRIRAM

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. 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 he was stopped him from entering Bogadi. Congress MLC Mallajamma was allegedly "detained and subjected 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.

Former Chief Minister and State president of the Samajwadi Party S. Bangarappa said here on Tuesday that he would visit Bogadi area and campaign for his party candidate. He said there were 24,000 voters in the areas and it was undemocratic for anybody to stop candidates from meeting the people. Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Ambareesh said he would visit the area on November 30.

The Election Commission has summoned paramilitary forces and deployed in sensitive areas in Chamundeshwari Assembly constituency.

On Tuesday 300 personnel of paramilitary forces led by Deputy Commissioner of Police II, Rajendra Prasad, conducted a flag march in Bogadi. They came in six buses and marched through the byelanes in villages to create confidence among the electorates.

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