Mysuru: With the stakes being high in Mandya , which is seeing a high voltage contest between Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy's son, Nikhil and late minister, M H Ambareesh's widow, Sumalatha, money power has allegedly begun to play a major role in the constituency. It's allegedly claimed that JD (S) leaders are offering upto Rs 5,000 for a vote in Mandya ,where it is fighting an uphill battle with Congress workers openly backing Ms Sumalatha, upset at the ticket for the constituency going to the
JD(S) in a poll alliance between the coalition partners. "While fans and others are voluntarily garlanding Ms Sumalatha wherever she is campaigning, a Mandya leader is reportedly getting a lorry load of flowers from Bengaluru and hiring over 500 people for Rs 500 to Rs 1000 a day, to shower them on Mr Nikhil when he campaigns in Mandya," claimed one leader.
As all eight assembly constituencies in Mandya are represented by the JD(S), and as three ministers, three MLCs and the sitting MP from the district also belong to party, it has become a matter of prestige for it to win from the constituency, he maintained to explain the "splurging of money in the constituency.".
"In elections like these which are driven by caste and money, the voter has to be sensible. But sadly, the votes of the poor and vulnerable are bought and those sensible do not go out to vote. So those who spend money and win invariably focus on making a fortune," the leader added.
Officials of the Income Tax department on Thursday raided the Royal Orchid hotel in Brindavan Gardens at Krishna Raja Sagar in Srirangapatna taluk of Mandya district where Chief Minister H D Kumarswamy, his son, Nikhil anJD(S) leaders are often known to stay.
Eight cases of violations of the model code of conduct were booked in the Mysuru-Kodagu constituency and Rs 15,23,720 in cash and 2,42,62,488 litres of liquor worth Rs 1,23,32,488, besides 74 vehicles, including seven cars, 65 two- wheelers, and two three- wheelers were seized by the officers.
