Rs 150 crore to ensure victory of JD(S) candidate Nikhil: audio clip

Mandya: An audio clip in which JDS leaders discussed the money matters for the Lok Sabha elections has gone viral.

As per the sources it is said to be of a conversation between Chetan Gowda, son of Mandya MP L R Shivaramegowda, and P Ramesh, former JD(S) worker, in which money matters for the Lok Sabha elections are being discussed.

It is gathered that Chetan Gowda is believed to have said that the JD(S) was spending nearly Rs 150 crore to ensure victory of JD(S) candidate Nikhil. The speaker said the party is spending Rs 5 lakh each for booths. The constituency has 2,800 booths. The JD(S) has contractors across the constituency and they will distribute the money, he has said, adding, the party will provide mutton and chicken to voters.

For the first time, H D Deve Gowda’s family is spending money. Till now, the money was going inside the house. Now funds are coming out Chetan Gowda reportedly told the Bengaluru-based former JD(S) worker.

However, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy denied the allegations that crores are being distributed to booths to lure voters.

During a campaign at Bharatinagar, he said the JD(S) had never indulged in cash politics. He urged the voters not to listen to baseless charges.

Following the incident independent candidate Sumalatha said that she has approached the Election Commission to take legal action against the JD(S) for using money power to lure voters.