JOIN USPoliticians use festive mood to woo voters
With just a couple of days to go before Ganesh Chathurthi, the City is abuzz with religious activities. In the mix of this festival fervour, a new trend has developed in that Ganesha idols are being liberally distributed by elected representatives.
In what can best be described as a competition by members of various political parties to elicit the support of citizens, thousands of Ganeshi idols have been distributed at no cost to citizens.
While much of the distribution is conducted in the open by politicians, other have adopted more secretive methods to disburse the idols. In many cases, free sacks of rice, oil and jaggery have also been distributed and in more than one incident, a free orchestra has also been organised in several villages.
Political initiative
District In-charge Minister Varthur Prakash distributed some 500 idols on Monday, creating a virtual melee outside his house in the City.
The minister also made an announcment that devoutees from all 35 wards of the City who desire a idol will be given one — free of cost. “Two idols per ward and two idols for each of the 215 villages in the taluk will be provided,” he added.
JD(S) member Byalahalli M Govinda Gowda donated a Ganesha idol to the Chitnahalli Youth Club.
Not to be outdone, Malur legislator S N Krishaiah Setty distributed 1,125 idols through his Narayana Setty Memorial Trust in the town on Monday. He also distributed 200 idols in Mulbagal.
With no end to the number of free gifts, stalls which were set up in the City to sell idols, now wear a deserted look. Idol vendors have expressed dismay about the distributions.
‘Trouble creators’
“The elected representatives purchase the idols at wholesale price and then distribute them for free. They have deprived us of customers who now demand idols at prices significantly lower than the actual market rate,” complained Nanjunda, a seller who explained that he had taken a loan and invested up to Rs two lakhs in the purchase of idols — which he had hoped to recoup through sales.
“There is almost no time left before the festival, but the number of customers to my stall has been low,” he added.