Set right anomalies in electoral rolls first: Singh to CEC

Bangalore, Mar 5 (UNI) Former Karnataka Chief Minister N Dharam Singh today said the Congress has appealed to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) N Gopalaswamy to announce the date of Assembly polls only after removing ''anomalies'' in the electoral list.

Speaking to the media here, he said the party leaders, who had a lengthy discussion with the full bench of the Election Commission yesterday, had submitted a memorandum to set right the anomalies in the electoral list, which found to have omitted a large number of voters belonging to minorities and SC and ST communities.

He said the Commission members had assured to look into the demand before deciding on holding the elections. ''The party is not averse to face elections,'' he added.

About Janatha Dal (S) rebel leader M P Prakash, he said Central party leaders, including State Observer Prithviraj Chauhan, had one-to-one meetings with him. ''The induction of Mr Prakash and his supporters into the Congress may take place shortly'' he added.

The Congress leader said, apart from Mr Prakash, leaders of other parties had also expressed willingness to join the Congress. Former Janata Dal legislator Jayaprakash Hegde would join the party soon, he claimed.

On former Chief Minister and Maharashtra Governor S M Krishna's decision to return to state politics Mr Singh said, ''It will help the party face the polls boldly. Mr Krishna will vigorously involve in the election campaign.'' UNI MV MSP JJ MS RK1755