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MANGALORE: The district administration with the help of police has set up a separate cell to prevent negative campaigning through social media forums like Facebook, twitter, whatsApp and SMSes.

 Pavan Nejjur, ACP South, has been appointed the investigation officer to look after complaints related to spreading messages and pictures that defame political parties and candidates through social media. People may call or send SMS to 9480802310 to register their complaints regarding poll code violations.

 Deputy commissioner AB Ibrahim said it was found that people are inducing voters through Facebook, WhatsApp, twitter and SMS and sending defamatory messages.

 "Three complaints have already been received. A person from Ullal has complained over phone that BJP flag was used in one of the houses. Another complaint is related to taking up of new pipeline work in Permannur in Ullal. Portraits of Union finance minister P Chidambaram and Union minister of state (independent charge) for micro, small and medium enterprises KH Muniyappa found on the wall of a national bank branch in the city has also been communicated by a complainant," Ibrahim said.

 Walkie-talkie sets have been given to all assistant returning officers, flying squads and statistical surveillance teams in the constituency. A total of 56, which are distributed to officials, will function with base stations in each talk centre. Officials may keep in touch with the headquarters and convey messages on a real time basis, the DC said.

 Poojary, Kateel reply: Congress candidate B Janardhana Poojary and BJP candidate Nalin Kumar Kateel have submitted their replies to the showcause notices issued to them by the Election Commission (EC).

 The commission had served notice to Poojary for making promises that poor in Brahmin and Gowda Saraswat Brahmin too will be given reservation if Congress comes to power. Meanwhile, Kateel came under EC scanner after making allegation against minister for health and family welfare UT Khader with regard to the allotment of BBMP site.

 Deputy commissioner Ibrahim said while Poojary justified his statement, Kateel has denied the allegation. "We have received replies from both the candidates. The reply given by them are not acceptable. We will look for further option in these cases," he added.

 The EC had served a showcause notice to RSS leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat in connection with the complaint of using religion for political mileage. The DC said that Bhat has sought one week time to reply. "We have said that it is not possible to extend time as the election is nearing. Hence, we have asked him to reply within 24 hours," he added.