BANGALORE, Feb 11: A plethora of complaints from an Election Observer from Karnataka has been giving sleepless nights to the electoral authorities in Karnataka. The grievances, contained in a letter to the Election Commission (EC) in Delhi are not about the violation of electoral code of conduct or malpractices, but the inability of the State Government machinery to look after his needs -- like crisp tandoori chicken and juicy kebabs!Ever since the observer landed in Bangalore, he found that the atmosphere was not ideal. The authorities failed to lodge him in a five-star hotel as he had desired, and instead he had to undergo the agony and humiliation of staying at the Government guest house -- Kumara Krupa -- where ordinary mortals like Ministers stay.
A worse fate awaited him at the guest house. He was expecting to be served tea -- Green Label -- in a pot, with sugar and milk in separate pots. But he got it in a mug, instead. And for lunch, the worthy expected tandoori but had themortification of having to consume `Chicken 65'.
So the observer decided all was not well, and that he should bring this to the notice of the CEO immediately. He dashed off a four-page letter to the EC listing the prerequisites needed by him in order to ensure a free and fair poll -- which was but a menu of choice delicacies.
The menu, if anything, was specific. Dishes made of fresh fish, chicken and mutton (with the animal being butchered on that very day). ``Green dry vegetable6s, dal, green salad, curd, chapatis and fresh fruits for lunch.'' He wanted the same for dinner, with some paneer, salad, sweet dishes and fresh fruits. What is more, Mysore rice won't do, only Basmati.
If such were the grave requisites required by this Observer, his colleagues who have descended on Karnataka have been no less disappointed with the arrangements. One had an equally serious complaint. Senior election officials did not receive him at the airport.
Yet another Observer indicated his intensedisapproval at the absence of black cat commandoes at the airport, who he thought, would flank him during his stay in Karnataka. Also palpable was the displeasure of an Observer at the Government's reluctance to provide a pilot car to him.
The EC faced similar embarrassing moments during May 1996 Lok Sabha elections, when an Observer claimed bills for the Kababs he bought at a road-side stall!
Here is another experience of an IAS officer. He was Gulbarga Deputy Commissioner during the Dec '94 Assembly election, and he refused to oblige an Observer who demanded that he be served liquor. When the Observer threatened him with dire consequences, the DC gave in, but managed to take photographs of the Observer consuming liquor. The EC, on receipt of the photographs, ordered an inquiry.
Here is a flash! The Commission has asked the Observer cribbing about the guest house and the food, to shut up.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
