EC must ban political parties indulging in money distribution: Radhakrishnan

Chennai: In the wake of the ongoing controversy over the leaders of some political parties distributing money to the voters ahead of the by-elections in Karnataka, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Pon Radhakrishnan on Sunday demanded a life ban on the candidates for whom this money distribution was held while stating that this is a shame on the Tamil community and the state.

Radhakrishnan alleged that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the two factions of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIA DMK) have been from the beginning distributing money to the voters to vote for their party and said this is not good for democracy.

"People are prepared to get money for their vote. They were trying to feel that this is not a sin, but they feel this is their right to get money for their vote. It is a shame for the Tamil community and the state," he told ANI.

Radhakrishnan stated that the Election Commission would take some decision after discussing about the matter.

"I feel postponing the election is not a remedy for this. My suggestion is the Election Commission must ban the political parties from contesting this election and there should be a life ban for the candidates for whom this money distribution was held," he added.

A day after Congress leader Laxmi Hebbalkar was seen in a video with wads of Rs 2,000 notes, Karnataka BJP president BS Yeddyurappa was caught on camera offering money ahead of the assembly by-polls in the state.

A video has surfaced showing the Karnataka BJP president BS Yeddyurappa allegedly giving money to a family in Chamrajanagar district.

Both videos have been submitted to the Election Commission for verification.

The Congress has filed a complaint against Yeddyurappa to the Election Commission.