‘Ban Jarkiholi from polls’

Belagavi: Mudalagi-based RTI activist Bhimappa Gadad has demanded that the Election Commission ban Gokak MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi from contesting the next assembly election to protect democracy. Gadad said: “Ramesh Jarkiholi made a statement at Sulebhavi recently that, he will spend Rs 10 crore in Belagavi (rural) constituency to defeat MLA Laxmi Hebbalkar. He also assured of paying Rs 6,000 to each voter.” The activist said Jarkiholi’s statement is a violation of Section 123 (1) of Public Representative Act 1951 and Section 171 (B) and (E) of Indian Penal Code (IPC).