The Election Commission has issued notices to Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister K S Eshwarappa and Maharashtra Home Minister R R Patil in connection with hate speeches reportedly delivered by them in poll- bound Karnataka. Patil allegedly made a provocative speech in Belgaum last Sunday. Belgaum is in Karnataka and borders Maharashtra, which lays claim to the area because of its largely Marathi-speaking population. Eshwarappa is reported to have instigated a particular community against others and violated the model code of conduct.