With Inputs from Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB/EP)
Mangaluru, Apr 7: Assistant commissioner Mahesh Kharjagi on Saturday April 7 informed that the words used by Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat against the Election Commission challenging the model code of conduct has been verified by the district election commission and forwarded to the state election commission, which will decide on the action to be taken against Bhat.
Addressing the media here on Saturday, he said, "The model code of conduct comes under the purview of the Constitution. Not following the code of conduct is equal to disobeying the Constitution. The model code of conduct is not only for Dakshina Kannada, it is applicable to the entire nation.
"The Election Commission of India is an autonomous Constitutional authority responsible for administrating the election processes in India. Once the code of conduct is enforced, no one has the right to challenge it. If anyone does challenge it, the Election Commission will take take strict action without any consideration of the person's power, position or influence in society," he said.
"Everyone should follow the law of this land. It is one's responsibility to do so. We will be compelled to take action as per the law if at the time of elections anyone challenges the election process by deeds or speeches," he added.
Answering a question on allegations that ZP CEO M R Ravi violated the model code of conduct in a press meet, Mahesh said, "He is the district nodal officer for entire election process. I cannot answer any question about him. It is better to ask him about the alleged violation."
My statement will not change even if I am put in prison: Kalladka Prabhaker Bhat
However, Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat refused to apologise for his statement on the model code of conduct and said that he would stand by it even if were to be put in prison.
"I have no problem even if anybody complains against me. My statement will not change even if somebody registers a police case and puts me in prison," he said.
He was speaking to reporters in Kairangala in response to the complaint filed against him by the Congress. "I have not made the statement in haste. I will repeat the words ten times or even a hundred times," he said.