SDPI accuses Mangaluru MLA UT Khader of poll code violation, files complaint

MANGALURU: The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) has filed a complaint with the Election Commission, accusing Mangaluru MLA UT Khader of carrying out a campaign in places of worship.
In a complaint, the SDPI stated that the photos of Khader speaking in a mosque and madrassa at Madani Nagara at Ullal Kodi Thota is being shared on social media. “It is clear violation of the model code of conduct. Hence, the Election Commission should take action against the leader,” stated the complaint.
Following the complaint made by the SDPI, officials from the flying squad and model code of conduct nodal officer visited the mosques and madrassas. Instructions were given to the managements, not to allow any political campaigns in places of worship. The complainant had submitted only photographs, officials said, adding that a case can be registered if the complainants submit a video or audio of Khader campaigning in religious places.
Case booked
Udupi city police have registered a case against the Congress candidate in Udupi constituency, Prasadraj Kanchan, and Udupi Block Congress Committee president, for putting up two flex boards on the Congress guarantee card, that offers 200 units of free power supply, Rs 2,000 to women family heads, 10kg rice free to families and unemployment allowance of Rs 3,000 to graduates, and Rs 1,500 to diploma holders. Police said that the flex boards with candidate’s photo were put up near the Congress bhavan on Nayarkere road in the city, without obtaining permission from the Election Commission. A case under the Karnataka Open Place Disfigurement Act and IPC Section 171H have been registered.