Karnataka Congress chief showers money on rallysts in Mandya

Karnataka Congress president D.K. Shivakumar has been caught on camera throwing currency notes at people during an election rally in JDS stronghold of Mandya.

A video clip has gone viral wherein Shivakumar is seen showering notes of 500 denomination on the artists near Bevinahalli in Mandya district. The incident happened during the 'Praja Dhwani Yatra' organized by Congress in Srirangapatna, ANI reported. In the clip, the KPCC chief can be seen standing on the top of a campaign bus.

Mandya is a JDS bastion dominated by Vokkaligas, and the seven seats in the district were won by the regional party in the 2018 Assembly polls. However, the BJP wrested KR Pet seat in the by-election.

Shivakumar, who is a Vokkaliga, had earlier called upon his community, which forms a major votebank in the Old Mysuru or southern Karnataka region, to strengthen his hands. He is in the CM race along with Siddaramaiah.

"I'm standing before you as your son, I'm asking you as a son of the soil, as the son of Doddalahalli Kempegowda. I'm asking you as Karnataka Congress president bowing to your feet and asking you to give me the strength, give me an opportunity to serve you," Shivakumar had earlier said during his visit to Mandya.

Speaking at the Congress' 'Praja Dwani Yatra', he said, "Voting JDS is of no use. It is like making BJP win. I'm asking you with folded hands, your son has become the State Congress president. So strengthen my hands, help all seven (Congress candidates in Mandya) win," he added.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission is set to announce the date for Karnataka polls sometime today.