Karnataka - Bangalore   

We cannot be bought with saris: women

— Photo: Sampath Kumar G.P.

venting ire: Members of the AIDWA burning saris, which were distributed by political parties, in Bangalore on Sunday.

BANGALORE: Even as politicians use time-tested methods of doling out freebies to woo voters from the underprivileged classes, voices are being raised against these illegal means of enticement.

On Sunday, a few saris given out to slum dwellers by politicians were burnt by indignant members of the All India Women’s Democratic Association (AIDWA) to drive home the point that “women’s votes cannot be bought.”

K.S. Lakshmi, State General Secretary of AIDWA, said that another manner of luring women voters from poorer classes has been through the use of self-help groups (SHG), which have emerged as the influencing factors in the areas they work out of.

Urging the State Election Commission to be more vigilant, Ms. Lakshmi said that under the cover of religious events and birthday celebrations, politicians and their followers are giving away saris and other freebies.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Children honoured for exemplary artwork
Directive to BBMP
Award
Plan before you travel during polls
‘Pass on information’
Abandoned baby finds refuge
Karnataka Government to demand minimum user fee
We cannot be bought with saris: women
Protest
Ex-servicemen stage protest
French Consulate in Bangalore by year-end
10,400 students appear for AIEEE
Seeking recognition for women’s rights
An annual journey around a lake
Excise raid
Dharwad Music Ustav to be held on Thursday
Nostalgic ride around the city
Sushma blames Congress for price rise

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu