DKCC president Padmaraj R Poojary (right) addressing the media in Mangaluru Saturday
On development, Poojary welcomed the cabinet meeting held in Mangaluru under chief minister DK Shivakumar, claiming that infrastructure projects worth Rs 16,000 crore had been approved for the district. He also highlighted measures allowing local panchayat development officers (PDOs) to issue 9/11 certificates for sites below 1,000sqmt and the proposed addition of 400 beds at wenlock district hospital. Congress leaders said that after Parliament enacted a law in December 2023, the composition of the CEC selection committee changed.
Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada District Congress Committee (DKCC) will hold a protest rally in the city Monday against “partisan conduct” of the Election Commission of India (ECI), DKCC president Padmaraj R Poojary said Saturday. He said the move represented the cultural identity and pride of Tulunadu. “By asking what financial benefit the recognition would bring, Simha has hurt the sentiments of the people of the region,” Poojary said, demanding an apology and questioning the silence of local BJP legislators. Earlier reporting noted: “The question is not merely whether the ECI has the power to conduct SIR but with what degree of transparency and institutional consensus are decisions relating to the electoral rolls being taken?” said Aradhana Mishra, leader of the Congress Legislature Party, at a press conference held with party national spokesperson Abhay Dubey.
Poojary also criticised former Mysuru MP Pratap Simha over his remarks on the state govt’s recognition of Tulu as the second official language.
Earlier reporting noted: Mishra also raised questions about the CEC’s appointment process and the procedures followed by the Commission. Earlier reporting noted: UP Congress seeks greater transparency in ECI functioning, SIR process Uttar Pradesh Congress leaders on Saturday sought greater public disclosure on the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) functioning, the appointment of the chief election commissioner (CEC), alleged differences within the poll panel and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.
Referring to leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi , Poojary said that allegations concerning “vote chori” in elections in Maharashtra and Karnataka’s Mahadevapura constituency, Poojary said questions had also been raised about recent electoral outcomes in Bihar and West Bengal.
The protest march will begin at 10.30am from Mahaveer (Pumpwell) Circle and proceed for around 2km before culminating at the deputy commissioner’s office. Poojary said more than 1,000 Congress workers and citizens are expected to participate.
“The ECI is the foundation of democracy and must safeguard the principle of one person, one vote,” Poojary said, claiming the two commissioners had raised 14 objections. He demanded Kumar’s resignation and sought a high-level inquiry by the central govt.