Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, May 23: "Gram panchayat (GP) elections are not like Parliamentary or Legislative Assembly elections. In the GP elections, as candidates are from their particular locality and maybe from the same community, these elections are very sensitive," said deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim.

Addressing a meeting of election officials at his office here on Saturday May 23 in connection to the gram panchayat elections to be held on May 29, the DC said, "Officials have to tour the localities assigned to them. Though it looks very calm and cool on the outset, touring the wards is necessary to prevent anything untoward."
"Dakshina Kannada has high political awareness. There have been many good incidents in this region and many bad ones too. So officials cannot take things for granted. You (officials) should visit your assigned wards and check. Elections should be peaceful at the same time it should be fair," he said.

Superintendent of police Dr Sharanappa said, "We have visited the sensitive areas and made sure that all the necessary arrangements are made. Naxal-affected areas are identified and arrangements are made for paramilitary forces. A total of 7,619 candidates across the district contesting the elections."

ADC Sadashiv Prabhu said, "Officials should make sure that there are no complaints regarding amenities like water, electricity, doors and so on in the polling booths. You (officials) have done a good job in the past elections and it should continue. Conduct a meeting with the candidates and inform and make them aware about the code of conduct, rules and regulations."

Observer for Dakshina Kannada from State Election Commission P L Jyothindra said, "Gram panchayat elections are the most sensitive elections. Candidates have found out many new techniques to lure the voters and this should be prevented. If you find any irregularities it should be bought to my notice."

Zilla panchayat CEO Srividya, DCP Vishnuvardhana, observer Malleshayya were present at the meeting.