Cash, movie tickets for votes in Kolhapur, says state min

Maharashtra minister of state for home Satej Patil, who is credited with the Congress party’s victory in Kolhapur North, has accused the BJP of distributing money during the poll campaign. The minister also alleged that the BJP distributed free tickets for 'The Kashmir Files' movie to voters, its 61 legislators and 7,000 party workers camped in the constituency to woo them. However, the voters cast their votes for Congress nominee Jayashree Jadhav, supported by allies.

“While BJP used every trick to polarise the voters, Congress with its allies focused on a slew of issues including inflation, fuel price rise and development works of the MVA government during the poll campaign,” said Patil. He was speaking a day after Congress nominee Jayashree Jadhav defeated BJP candidate Satyajit Kadam. The Congress was supported by allies NCP, Shiv Sena, CPM, PWP.

"There were no lodges, hotels or marriage halls available in Kolhapur, as a large number of people came from outside (from BJP). The BJP distributed money in a big way but voters did not succumb to such tactics as they voted for Maha Vikas Aghadi. This victory is not ours, it belongs to the people of Kolhapur,” said Patil. He noted that the voters have shown that Kolhapur is progressive.

“History was made in Kolhapur which inherited the great works of Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj and Maharani Tararani. The land of Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj once again conveyed the message of equality,’’ noted Patil who crafted the poll campaign and implemented it with allies by camping in Kolhapur for over 25 days.

Patil, who is the Kolhapur district guardian minister, said he has been focussed on pursuing a slew of development projects in the district.