EC stops mass marriage

A mine-owner's plan to win the sympathy of voters by conducting a mass marriage in Bijapur district backfired on Monday when the district administration prevented scores of couples from tying the knot. Reason: Violation of the moral code of conduct.

The mass marriage was organised by Congress ticket aspirant A S Patil Nadahalli at Revanasiddeshwara temple in Sarura village in Muddebihal constituency to coincide with that of his son's wedding. Patil had obtained permission for the marriage by posing as a social worker.

However, when the Election Commission learnt that he was a probable candidate, it directed the district authorities to stop the wedding. At the end, Patil had to contend with his son's marriage. The other couples to return home, hoping to return another day.