Karnataka

Looking for a lucky name POLL TALES

“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” said Juliet to Romeo.

Some people apparently don’t agree.

These days, many politicians have taken a shine to altering their names, perhaps hoping to change their political fortunes. H.D. Kumaraswamy added an extra ‘a’ to become Kumaaraswamy, though nobody seems to have noticed. B.S. Yediyurappa became Yeddyurappa overnight.

It’s now the turn of the former Minister H. Vishwanath, who is known for his controversial statements. Mr. Vishwanath, who is contesting as the Congress candidate from K.R. Nagar, near Mysore, has changed his name to Adaguru H. Vishwanath. Adaguru is his native village.

Apparently, Mr. Vishwanath changed his name much earlier, but it came into the public domain when he filed his nomination papers with the new name.

To allow or not to allow?

This seems to be the question troubling the district administration in Dharwad with regard to the display of election publicity material on the premises of private buildings.

According to the circular issued by the Election Commission of India, flags can be hoisted on private buildings, but banners, buntings or placards are not allowed.

According to sources in the district administration, although the circular is clear, some of the political parties are keen on displaying banners and such on the premises of private buildings, especially because of the restrictions on the display of publicity material in public places.

Being a tricky issue, the district administration has now decided to seek a clarification from the Election Commission, which, it hopes, will clear the “ambiguity” seen in the circular by the political parties.

SHANKAR BENNUR AND GIRISH S. PATTANASHETTI

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