Udupi: Couple protests against denial of voting right, DC assures quick action


Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

 

 

Udupi, Apr 11: Gopalayya Appu Koteyar (67) and his wife Sunanda (62) on Friday April 11 launched a hunger strike in front of the DC's office here protesting against the non-enrolment of their names in the voters' list despite residing in Udupi for the last 11 years.

The couple came from Maharashtra and settled in Udupi over a decade ago. Despite having all the essential documents, they are unable to exercise their franchise, allegedly due to the panchayat’s fault.

A few days ago Koteyar received a letter stating that his name and that of his wife were missing from the voters' list. The letter apologized for this error and stated that their names would be enrolled next year after the revaluation process. Following this development, the couple called a press meet and annouced a hunger strike to demand their to vote.

After they went on strike on Friday, deputy commissioner Dr Muddumohan visited them and accepted their memorandum. He expressed regret over the mistake committed by officials while enrolling voters' names.

He further said that a letter of enquiry would be sent to the assistant commissioner of Kundapur and assured that within 24 hours appropriate action would be taken against guilty officials as per law.

Gopalayya told reporters that though it would not be possible to enroll his and his wife's names in the voters' list for this Lok Sabha elections, he would keep up his fight for justice. "This is the second time I am going on protest over this matter. I do not belong to any political party. After polling day in Karnataka on April 17, I will take my protest to the rest of the country. I am doing this not for my own sake but for those whose names are in voters' list due to apathy of officials."

  

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Comment on this article

  • Follower, Mangalore

    Mon, Apr 14 2014

    Ration card, adhaar , voting card 'to many cards just for identifying that you are citizen of India, it's high time we reduce the chaos of too many ids and switch to one IDE with a one click data base that can be accessed anywhere throughout the country! Change the working system to reduce work load for government employees as well as respect the time of the citizens. Thought is difficult taking to account the working structure of the system but not impossible!

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Glenn, Mangalore/Udupi

    Sat, Apr 12 2014

    I salute DC of Udupi.We can make out he is humble and sincere in actions.He is squatting in front of couples.He could have ordered them to come to his office.Being highly qualified and experienced he proved the famous quote-"Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence"

    DisAgree Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jacob Mendonsa, Melbourne

    Sat, Apr 12 2014

    Our Panchayat, municipality, City Corporation & BBMP officials r most Corrupt, Lazy & Irresponsible while handling their duties. Most of these ordinary clerks working in these offices r Crorepathis, who have built their houses like Palaces in Mangalore. Most of the Voters Cards issued by them do not contain correct details in them. Male is mentioned as female. 20 years old appearing as 200 years old,& 4o years old appearing as 4 years old in their Voters Card.They r so busy in accepting bribes,they do not have time to check the details of the cards. When U visit their offices always more than 50% staff r absent. Those who r in the offices will be playing in their IPADS/IPHONES or on Mobiles. Very sad situation.

    DisAgree Agree [28] Reply Report Abuse

  • Igstor, Mangalore/Ca

    Sat, Apr 12 2014

    Gopal/ Sunanda, Keep going. We R with you. Its sad that U have to go on Hunger strike. Authorities/ D.C. dont care. Thousands of applications R rotting, Why D.C not saking the responsible employees ?. Congi Govt is not doing anything. Voters' names are missing from the List, and its a deliberate act. Why not a single Moral Policing case convicted. Moral policing has increased after Congis came to power. Corruption increased. Why we dont have efficient Prosecution ? Unbiased police force ? We need strong/ Honest Justice system and efficient Lokpal.
    What Oscar is doing for many years ? Just inaugurating Bus stops, Toilets, and buildings? Govt offices are den of Curruption. nothing moves without bribing or political Chamcha's help.Now is the time for CHANGE. YES We CAN. Vote wisely. Vote for Accountability and Clean Govt.and honest Justice system. Good luck.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dilip RV, Mangalore

    Fri, Apr 11 2014

    Hats off to you dear Sir and Madam.
    The younger generation or for that matter all of us can learn a lesson or two about determination, grit and perseverance from you. God bless.

    DisAgree Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse


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