Political parties have become 'mask' of mafia: Sarvodaya Party

Mysore, Apr 29 (UNI) Political parties have become 'masks' for mafia gangs and many of the parties had named underworld elements in their candidates lists, Sarvodhya Party State President Devanaru Manadev today alleged.

Participating in a Meet-the-press Programme organised by the Mysore District Journalists Association here, he said all major parties had been giving tickets to such elements, including 'land sharks' and mafia for next month's elections.

This resulted in corruption and violence as money and liquor power was ruling the roost, he claimed.

Though the Election Commission of India had made this election process free from buntings and banners, it should be more vigilant on checking money flow and illegal liquor supply by parties in the coming days.

The Sarvodaya Party has fielded the candidates in an attempt to bring awareness among the people. In future, it would give training to aspirants right from ground level, Mr Mahadev said.

Sarvodaya Working President and Rajya Rytha Sangha President K S Puttaniah, who is contesting from Melkote in Mandya District, said the main aim of the party was to open its account in this elections as it needs representation in the Assembly. How many seats it would win was not important.

He criticised all the political parties saying their manifestoes were only 'gimmicks' and nothing would be implemented if they came to power.

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