Bellary tops list of code violations

The officials enforcing the model code of conduct for the Lok Sabha elections have seized cash, liquor and goods worth Rs 14.35 crore till date and booked 1,227 cases, said state chief electoral officer M N Vidyashankar.

Speaking to reporters here after reviewing the poll preparations in Dharwad and Haveri constituencies on Wednesday, he said Bellary topped the list with 243 cases and seizure of material worth Rs 10.12 crore.

He said 201 cases of violation had been booked in Gulbarga constituency, 115 in Shimoga, 93 in Belgaum, 79 in Raichur and 55 in Dharwad. BJP tops list with 95 cases of violations being slapped on it, followed by Congress 61, JD(S) 40, CPI-M three, BSP eight, NCP one and others 74.

The CEO said poll preparations across the state were on schedule.

He expressed satisfaction about the poll preparation and enforcement of the model code of conduct in Dharwad constituency.

He said, 81 per cent of voters in the state were provided with election photo identity cards (EPIC) and for those not having a card, the Election Commission would come out with a list of alternative documents to be produced to prove their identity.

Replying to a question if the cases filed against parties and candidates for poll code violation would meet a logical end, Vidyashankar said they will be tried in the court of law and no time frame could be set for the courts to dispose of the case. He said, liquor and other materials seized would be auctioned with court’s permission and cash would be deposited with courts till the disposal of the case.

To another question, he said nobody had come forward seeking the seized cash to be returned.