Karnataka Localbody elections on Sept 28

Bangalore, Sept 4: Karnataka State Election Commission on the directions of the Supreme Court today announced the calender for elections to 208 local bodies in the State to be held on September 28.

State Election Commissioner M R Hegde announcing the schedule to newsmen regretted that despite the Apex court direction that the election schedule once announced could not be postponed, the Karnataka High Court had postponed the polls on various grounds.

Stating that the Election Code of Conduct would come into force with immediate effect, Mr Hegde said that notifications would be issued by the respective Muncipalties, Town Panchyats and Corporations on September 10 and nomination could be filed from that day.

September 17 would the last date for filing the nomination, while scrutiny would be taken up the next day. September 20 was the last date withdrawal and election if necessary would be held on September 28. Counting of votes polled would be held on September 30 and the Election process would be completed by October 3.

Mr Hegde said that of the total 10,613 polling stations to be established, 3670 were identified as Sensitive and 3979 as Hyper Sensitive and special attention was being given to maintain law and order.

Replying to a question, Mr Hegde said that the State Election Commission has filed cases with the Supreme Court against High Court stay orders.

UNI