‘Want to add my name to the list, else I will lose money’

By Hamsaveni N

Daily-wages women work- ers, elderly women and school-going girls were present in large numbers at the JD(S) roadshow in the Yelahanka assembly constituency which was attended by former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda.

Bringing paid crowds to roadshows and meetings has become a common thing for political parties. Money and food is distributed among the people who come.

The Observer overheard a party worker wearing a green shawl conversing with a group of women. He said: “If someone asks you guys about money, don’t say that you are getting paid. Tell them you support JD(S) and you all have come here to see Deve Gowda.”

Another woman, who was with her mother, asked The Observer about a list where the names of people who attended the roadshow were noted.

“Do you know who is noting down the names for payment or who the list is with? I want to add my name and my mother’s name to the list or else I will lose the money.”

The two women are daily-wages workers living in slum in Chikkagollarahatti.

A woman who works in a school in Yelahanka said: “Yes,

Citizen’s Voice

P.T. Usha’s remark deserves condemnation

Because our politics are based on politics of development, politics of performance, politics of growth, politics of employment. So I formally welcome the gentleman joining us today.”

Khan said: “The party promised to give me a minority-dominated area ticket so that is the reason why I left JD(S) and joined Congress. My father was in Congress, even my grandfather was a part of the party, so it is a privilege to be a part of the legacy and work in the same political party. I am honoured.”

Raghu, KPCC spokesperson, informed The Observer: “Geetha Shivarajkumar, who was earlier in the JD(S), is the daughter of the former Karnataka chief minister S Bangarappa. She will campaign for Madhu Bangarappa, the Congress candidate contesting from Soraba constituency in Shivamogga.”

Geetha Srinivas informed The Observer: “I did so much for the BJP, but they refused to give me a ticket. They gave tickets only to those who had zero knowledge of politics or how politics work. Thus, I decided to join the Congress and be a part of a traditional political party.” siddhi.c@iijnm.org

The comment by Indian Olympic Association chief P.T. Usha that the wrestlers protesting in Delhi are tarnishing India’s image is condemnable. What is the guarantee that the association will help the athletes who suffered misbehavior? It’s a shame that nothing has been done to resolve the issue yet.

Janani S

Political parties must focus on real issues

I am disappointed with the political parties who are interested in doing vote-bank politics than addressing real civic issues. Bengaluru needs better infrastructure, water management, and waste disposal. The parties should focus on these issues instead of making false promises and accusations.

Agni

Dev

It is a contest between secularism, divisiveness May 10 is the day when the people of Karnataka will decide which party to elect to office. This election is very different from all others as it will decide whether the people of Karnataka will reclaim the state’s secular values or accept the divisive politics of the current establishment. We have to wait until the elections are over.

Aashwin S