Gowda sits in dharna in protest against EC's 'attitude'

Mysore, Nov 28 (UNI) Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda and some leaders of the Janata Dal (S) today sat on a dharna here in protest against the 'attitude' of Election Commission Observer J Raymond Peter appointed to oversee the December by-poll for Chamundeshwari Assembly constituency.

Mr Gowda and several legislators belonging to his party sat in protest at 'Statue Square' in the city against several steps initiated by the EC during the ongoing campaign.

The Congress and JD(S) is involved in a bitter battle for the segment for which by-poll will be held following the resignation of former Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who resigned as a JD(S) member to join the Congress.

The former Prime Minister's action comes in the wake of the EC ordering the transfer of three senior police officials, including Deputy Commissioner of Police, following complaints against them with regard to the by-election.

Director General of Police R Srikumar, Chairman and Managing Director of Karnataka Police Housing Corporation has been made incharge of overseeing the security arrangements in the constituency. The present IGP, R P Sharma, had been asked not to involve himself in the election process.

The EC had changed Returning Officer Chikkathimmiah and appointed another official in his place. Police had also seized several vehicles belonging to the JD(S).

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