Pratap Simha has done injustice to growers: DCC prez

As a member of the Spices Board, incumbent MP and BJP candidate from Kodagu-Mysore Lok Sabha constituency failed to provide justice to growers when the prices of pepper and coffee crashed, alleged DCC President K K Manjunath.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, he said, “Pratap Simha has played on the lives of farmers in Kodagu. He did not work to bring stability in the prices of pepper and coffee.”

He said, “The voters in Kodagu are dejected over the NDA government’s administration and the coalition partners’ candidate will win the election from the constituency.”

He accused officials of dropping the names of voters in a few villages owing to pressure from BJP leaders.

“The BJP has continued its old tactics and a few officials in the tahsildar’s office were hand in glove with BJP leaders. A probe should be conducted on the dropping of names of voters from the list.”

“At least 50 to 100 voters names have been removed from the electoral list in each booth in the district. Names of 74 voters in Haisodloor in Virajpet, over 100 voters in Betoli, Niluagilu in Somwarpet have been removed. What are the reasons for removing the names from the voters’ list?” he questioned.

Manjunath said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi and MP Pratap Simha have not carried out any works in the last five years. Now, in the name of Ujjwala scheme, LPG cylinders are being distributed to the poor, which amounts to a violation of the poll code of conduct. A complaint has been filed with the Election Commission.”

C H Vijayashankar who is likely to contest from Kodagu-Mysuru constituency as the coalition candidate will file nominations on March 25. Congress and JD(S) workers will work hard for his victory, he added.

Manjunath said, “The Congress has already held talks with JD(S) leaders in the district. There are no differences of opinion among the leaders. Preparatory meetings were held at Virajpet and Madikeri. The Congress workers are enthusiastic and will work towards sending a leader who has concern for farmers to the Parliament.”