Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru/Udupi (MS)
Mangaluru/Udupi, Sep 20: The bye-election for the MLC seat, vacated after Kota Srinivas Poojary was elected as an MP, will be held on October 21. A total of 6,037 members from 392 local bodies in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi will cast their votes, according to Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner and election officer Mullai Muhilan.
During a press conference on Thursday at the DC office, Muhilan stated, “Nominations can be filed from September 26 to October 3, with verification on October 4. The last date for withdrawal of nominations is October 7. The election will take place on October 21 from 8 am to 4 pm, and the vote counting will be held on October 24.”
The model code of conduct was implemented on September 19, the day the election was declared, and will remain in effect until October 28 in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. During this period, no government development programs can be announced, foundation stone-laying ceremonies are prohibited, and banners wishing political leaders cannot be installed. Government officials are also barred from attending public programs or meetings. The Election Commission will monitor political meetings and events, and all regulations applicable to MP and MLA elections will also apply to this MLC election. The additional DCs of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi will serve as assistant election officers.
No election-related check posts will be set up, but flying squads and video surveillance teams will be operational. Political party buntings and hoardings will be removed immediately.
Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts fall under the jurisdiction of the Dakshina Kannada local body authority. Dakshina Kannada has 3,551 voters and 234 polling booths, while Udupi has 2,486 voters and 158 polling booths.
In this bye-election, members of gram panchayats, city corporations, city municipalities, town municipalities, town panchayats, MLAs, MLCs, and MPs will be eligible to vote.
ZP CEO Dr Anand, additional DC Dr Santhosh Kumar, police commissioner Anupam Agarwal, SP Yatheesh, MCC commissioner Anand C L, and assistant commissioner Girish Nandan were also present.