Congress candidate denies BJP link

Hassan: Congress nominee in Hassan H.K. Mahesh denied allegations that connected him with the BJP. The candidate, who had lost in the elections, had received allegations from JD(S) leaders that he had an understanding with the BJP which had caused the defeat of the JD(S) candidate in Hassan. Mahesh told presspersons here on Wednesday that he had no understanding with the BJP or the JD(S). “I am hurt by the defeat and I wish to convey to the people of the constituency that I had no understanding with opposition candidates,” he added.

Mahesh said that he got more votes from the Muslims community than others and added that the Vokkaligas had not voted in his favour. He alleged that the distribution of money among voters was the main reason for his defeat. He said that he paid money, wherever it was expected, but could not match the capacity of the BJP in terms of spending money.