Ensure free, fair polls in view of blast: BJP tells EC

In light of the bomb blast near the BJP office here, the ruling party in Karnataka has petitioned electoral authorities calling for a serious review of security measures and steps to ensure that the upcoming Assembly polls are free and fair.
The timing of the blasts was "very crucial" as the elections are near, the party said.
"It is evident that these criminal elements want to create a fear psychosis amongst the public and show that the government machinery can't be trusted when it comes to the security of its citizens," it said.
That the blast which left 16 persons injured took place in the area considered secure itself should be a matter of serious concern for those responsible for providing a secure general atmosphere, BJP state president Prahlad Joshi said in a letter to the Chief Electoral Officer.

"There is definitely a need for a serious review of the nature of security measures in place, considering the fact that it has been breached time and again," Joshi said.
The Election Commission should take extra steps especially in Malleshwaram Constituency, where the blast took place. These include the appointment of Special Observers and deploying Special Central Police Force, while ensuring full- fledged inquiry into the blast by the appropriate investigative agency, he said.