NDA complains to Karnataka CEO over alleged pressure on teachers in MLC polls

October 13, 2026 /Posted byPrajwal EW / 0

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Monday lodged a complaint with the Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), alleging that Education Department officials were pressuring teachers and educational institutions to support Congress candidate Puttanna in the Bangalore Teachers’ Constituency election.

The constituency is among four Legislative Council seats going to polls on October 23, with results scheduled for October 27. The BJP’s ally JD(S) has fielded A P Ranganath against sitting Congress MLC Puttanna.

In its complaint, the NDA alleged that officials attached to the offices of Deputy Directors of Public Instruction, Deputy Directors of Pre-University Education and Block Education Officers, along with other departmental functionaries, were mobilising support for Puttanna.

It claimed that teachers, staff and management of educational institutions, particularly private unaided institutions, were being approached and pressured to support the Congress candidate, with some fearing adverse administrative consequences if they did not comply.

Citing Rules 3 and 5 of the Karnataka State Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021, the alliance said government servants must maintain political neutrality and must not canvass or use their influence in connection with elections.

The NDA urged the election authorities to issue written directions prohibiting officials from canvassing, soliciting votes or using departmental meetings, WhatsApp groups, government offices, vehicles and other public resources for electioneering.

It also sought an independent inquiry into the allegations, confidentiality and protection against retaliation for those providing information, and disciplinary and legal action against officials found to have engaged in canvassing, intimidation or misuse of their positions.

The alliance further called for officials against whom prima facie evidence was established to be removed from election-related duties.

The NDA said its complaint was intended to ensure a free and fair election and urged the authorities to take preventive action before polling.

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“Most schools never consciously chose their basic unit. They inherited one from the past: the class. With the class as the focus, the things that happen between people get squeezed out: the apprentice learning alongside someone skilled, the child taught where they are rather than where the class is, and the daily practice of getting along with people they did not choose. The most promising new schools are organising themselves around the individual child rather than the class. A better approach is to group children by readiness in each subject and change those groups as they progress. Communication, collaboration and handling disagreement need daily practice. In a school built around individual progress, teachers get time back to observe, diagnose, mentor and step in where they are most needed. Most teachers entered the profession to make a difference to children. Many spend their careers managing classes instead. The best new schools offer them a system that finally lets them do the work they signed up for.”

- Rahul Raghavan, Economic Times, (27/10)

“Prevention begins with understanding young people, their struggles and the environments in which they grow up. A sense of belonging, nurturing relationships and meaningful social interactions can play a crucial role in protecting adolescents from substance abuse. When young people feel connected to their families, schools and communities, they are more likely to develop healthy coping mechanisms, make informed choices and seek help when needed. Parents, teachers and community leaders must work together to create supportive spaces where adolescents feel heard, valued and understood. Schools must go beyond academic achievement to foster inclusion, emotional wellbeing and genuine relationships. Ultimately, preventing substance abuse requires looking beyond individual behaviour and recognising the influence of the relationships and communities that shape young lives.”

- Navdeep Aggarwal, Economic Times, (22/10)

NDA complains to Karnataka CEO over alleged pressure on teachers in MLC polls

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