After poll defeat JP Hegde slams winners, voters; says money involved

Udupi, Dec 31: Jayaprakash Hegde has said that the final leg of preparation by the rival parties for the MLC elections was intense, owing to money power.

The former minister, who was defeated in the elections on Wednesday, spoke to mediapersons here on Thursday. He said that the ministers, legislators and other elected representatives went about purchasing, threatening and bribing voters to ensure Hegde’s defeat. “It was a totally unfair deed that was planned at the last moment. The flow of money was what decided the value for the votes,” he commented.

Hedge also said that the voters who were threatened in various ways succumbed to the pressure. “The Congress leaders did not hesitate to use even religious and spiritual beliefs of the voters to woo them. It was a high profile drama at the last moment of the campaigning where the votes became value-added,” said Hegde, adding that he had sufficient proof of such acts.

Calling upon the Congress leaders not to indulge in dirty politics and unconstitutional deeds, Hegde said that he would also advise the elected Congress candidate to at least come out of his refuge and strive to work for the development of the rural local bodies.

“The Congress MLC has always remained silent, instead of working for the purpose that he was elected for. He never raised his voice in the Council. He was always within his comfort zone,” he alleged.

Hegde said internal democracy was a unique thing that was missing in the Congress, but added that he had expected Harikrishna Bantwal to win more votes.

Insisting that he was always treated as an outsider by the Congress leaders, Hegde said that he was deeply hurt by the approaches and attitudes of the party leaders at all levels. He said that in spite of being treated indifferently, he remained loyal to and worked for the party. He said he had extended his work in Chikkamagaluru area and tried to build the party. The people who worked against the party were rewarded and he was punished in spite of working in the interest of the party, he added.

Hedge clarified that he was not disappointed with the defeat. He was happy for giving a new dimension to the Council elections, which, otherwise, would have been a simple affair. He said he would always support the people who came out with him and stood against the Congress.

“I will develop second-line leaders. I will also continue being an independent for the time-being, and will not take any hasty decisions. I will discuss with my supporters and go ahead with their suggestions and advice,” said Hegde.

He did not rule out the possibilities of contesting in the Assembly polls in future. He hinted at the possibilities of contesting as an independent in the constituencies of Byndoor, Kaup, Udupi and Kundapur. He would actively remain in politics  he said and declined to comment over his inclination towards joining any other political parties at present.