Hassan: An audio clip of Congress candidate for Shravanbelagola, C S Puttegowda allegedly accusing Minister for Public Works, Dr H C Mahadevappa of colluding with the JD(S) and denying party funds to Congress candidates in Hassan and Mandya, went viral on social media on Monday, kicking off a furore in political circles here. Mr Puttegowda is allegedly heard saying in the clip that Dr Mahadevappa had in his greed to become CM with the help of JD(S) in case of a hung assembly , deliberately deprived Congress candidates of party funds to help JD(S) candidates in the fray. Both Mr Puttegowda and Dr Mahadevappa were with JD(S) before they switched loyalties to the Congress party.
Sources in Shravanabelgola say Mr Puttegowda did not receive party funds and so found it difficult to campaign against his JD(S) rival, C N Balakrishna. But denying his charge, Congress leaders claim Mr Puttegowda may be upset at not receiving full funds he had asked for from the party.
Dr Mahadevappa, who was the district in-charge Minister of Hassan, had the responsibility of distributing party funds to candidates in Hassan and Mandya constituencies.
When contacted, Mr Deve Gowda refused to comment on the audio clip allegedly featuring Mr Puttegowda.
