Karnataka Assembly elections: Water tankers to quench parched voters’ thirst

BENGALURU: With rising temperatures in the plains, coastal and the Malnad belt, many candidates in the rural segments of the state have taken to distribution of drinking water in their respective constituencies. However, this has not come to the notice of the Election Commission.

The New Indian Express takes a look at this scenario in Chikkamagaluru district where candidates across the three parties (some of them probable) having adopted this ‘humane method’ of luring voters. In fact, both JD(S) and BJP candidates are vying with one another to provide free water and other benefits to rural voters, says Madappa, a happy villager.

For the past few weeks, candidates have been sending water tankers, lorries and mini lorries carrying water tanks and distributing them at some focal points in the villages.

Seena, a villager from Muthodi, says, “The JD(S) candidate brought 10 lorries and mini lorries with water tanks in many remote and inaccessible segments. BJP distributed water to many parched villages with 15 lorries and tanks. The Congress aspirants too are doing their bit.”

Chandrasekhar, a social worker, adds, “For rural people, getting water in tankers and that too at their doorstep is a blessing in disguise. But with the Model Code of Conduct in place, this is an absolute violation. In fact, one can see day in and day out, the water tankers hopping from one village to another and party workers urging people to vote for their candidates. It is amazing how this has escaped the attention of the electoral officers and the EC.”

Candidates have also started distributing money at big gatherings such as marriage functions and temple inaugurations, says a political watcher. In Tarikere, one of the  candidates has started distributing money. This party is giving `2,000 per head and in the process, many families will get `8,000 to `10,000 with four to five voters per family.