Voters in West Graduates’ constituency wait to cast their vote at a polling station in Hubballi
Meanwhile, Congress allegedly offered Rs 10,000 per vote. Each constituency comprises about 18,000 to 20,000 voters.
The constituency appeared to be the most “expensive” of the four, with allegations that the BJP-JD(S) alliance was offering Rs 5,000, along with a watch for male voters or a sari for women. “The legislative council was once filled with statesmen but is now being filled with persons who pay for votes,” he said after casting his vote in West Graduates’ constituency. Bengaluru: Elections to two graduates’ and two teachers’ constituencies for the legislative council passed peacefully Friday, and though the four seats are unlikely to alter governing Congress ’ majority in the Upper House, allegations of cash payments, gifts and liquor parties to woo voters marked the contest. North-East Teachers’ constituency recorded the highest turnout, followed by Bengaluru Teachers’ and West Graduates’. South-East Graduates’ constituency saw the lowest polling, but it was the Bengaluru seat that was in focus. The watches were claimed to be made by Hindustan Machine Tools. “It is painful that even candidates representing teachers’ constituencies are bribing voters. Teachers should instead prefer able candidates.”
North-East Teachers’ constituency reportedly saw payments ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 1,500 per vote. Voters alleged that the amount varied according to the region they came from, with those from dryland areas offered Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 and those from irrigated regions Rs 1,500. In West Graduates’ constituency, the two main contenders were said to have provided consolidated sums to villages with 12 to 15 voters to organise parties.
Similar gatherings were reported in North-East Teachers’ constituency. Liquor parties allegedly added to the spending.
“If it is 5, it means Rs 5,000, and if the number on the flask is 10, it is Rs 10,000,” he claimed. Opposition leader in the council Chalavadi Narayanswamy had, on Thursday, alleged voters were being given cards or flasks marked with single-digit numbers to indicate the amount they would receive.