Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Oct 11: The election commission, in a clearcut instructions to the Uttara Kannada district administration, has directed it to initiate legal action against fisheries minister Anand V Asnotikar, who is facing the allegation of filing wrong affidavit relating to the assets owned by him, while filing details at the time of contesting the previous assembly election.

It is said, that Asnotikar had not shown particulars of his three properties in Karwar, at the time of filing the said affidavit, a mandatory requirement at the time of filing nomination. The Congress party, incensed by his deserting the party after getting elected, had recently complained to the election commission about this lapse.

The deputy commissioners (DC) of the districts are the designated authorities empowered to take action against those filing wrong affidavits. The DC's decision will be final and binding. Therefore, the election commission has passed on this responsibility to the Uttara Kannada DC, sources revealed.

If the affidavit is found to be false, a criminal case will have to be filed against the minister. If the court finds him guilty, he will be barred for contesting in elections for a period of six years, election commission sources said.

Being a minister, Asnotikar might exercise influence on the issue. However, the election commission will be observing the steps being taken by the deputy commissioner, who is responsible to act according to legal provisions on the issue.