BJP Leader Jarkiholi says will pay Rs.6,000 per vote

www.mangaloretoday.com

Bengaluru, Jan 22, 2023: A former minister of the BJP has made an astounding comment that has left his party red faced and triggered huge controversy. Ramesh Jarkiholi, the state’s former water resources minister, has announced that the BJP would pay ₹ 6,000 per vote in the assembly elections due in May. The BJP has promptly distanced itself from the former minister who was forced resign in 2021 for his alleged role in a sex scandal.

The rally was organised by his supporters in Sulebavi village in Belagavi. The former minister’s comments came during his attack on Congress MLA Lakshmi Hebbalkar. While Congress’ Lakshmi Hebbalkar represents the Belagavi rural constituency from Belagavi district, Ramesh Jarkiholi represents the Gokak constituency in Belagavi.  

"I see that she is distributing gifts to her voters in the constituency. Till now, she must have given kitchen appliances such as cooker and mixer, worth around ₹ 1,000. She might give another set of gifts. All that together may cost around ₹ 3,000. I urge you not to vote for our candidate if we don’t give you ₹ 6,000," Ramesh Jarkiholi said.

Irrigation minister Govind Karjol has issued a prompt denial.

"There’s no place for such things in our party. Our party is built on an ideology because of which it has come to power in the country and has come to power with clear majority second time with Narendra Modi as leader," he said. "In 2023 elections also we will come to power with clear majority," added the minister.

"If some person gives a statement, it is not the statement of the party. It’s his personal matter," he added.

"What Ramesh has said is unconstitutional. The code of conduct hasn’t come in place yet. Once that comes in place, if such statements are repeated, then he or anyone from the BJP should be barred," said Congress MLC Nagraj Yadav.

"All the BJP MLAs are surviving in the party by doing 40 per cent corruption. They have collected enough amount through bribes. The BJP is now planning to do the same during elections. I demand that the Election Commission look into this matter," he added.  

The BJP, which came to power in the 2019 after the HD Kumarswamy-led government crashed over a year after it was elected, is hoping for a second straight term.