Date:23/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/23/stories/2008122360480800.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Poll panel urged to replace observers

Special Correspondent

Bangalore: Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee working president D.K. Shivakumar on Monday demanded that the Election Commission replace its observers for the byelections in eight Assembly constituencies, accusing them of failing to take note of the distribution of money and liquor among voters.

He told presspersons here that even the media had shown how some parties were using money and liquor to lure people.

He alleged that such incidents had occurred in Doddballapur and Deodurga constituencies.

Mr. Shivakumar alleged that returning officers and assistant returning officers were colluding with those violating the model code.