BJP MP asks cadre to distribute cash to women ahead of civic polls

Medak MP M. Raghunandan Rao has stirred controversy by urging BJP cadres in Narsapur to distribute Rs 1,000 per vote, focusing on women voters ahead of the municipal elections. Opposition parties in Narsapur reacted sharply, accusing him of encouraging unethical practices during the campaign.

Medak: Asking party cadres to focus on women voters, Medak MP M Raghunandan Rao urged Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and workers to distribute Rs 1,000 per vote in Narsapur town to influence voters ahead of the municipal elections.

At a preparatory meeting of party workers in Narsapur municipality, held ahead of the civic polls, the Medak MP asked workers to initially distribute Rs 500 to each woman to buy saffron and green colours ahead of the Sankranthi festival and request them to draw the lotus flower, the BJP’s election symbol, on the premises of their houses every day.

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As the elections were fast approaching, Rao said party leaders could also consider giving another Rs 500 per vote so that women voters would support the saffron party.

Since women would draw the lotus symbol daily, he said they would get attracted to it over time. Besides, he added, the party would receive wide publicity as dozens of people would see the symbols every day.

The MP described the idea as a game-changer for the civic body elections. The call by the BJP MP has left opposition parties in Narsapur municipality shocked. They lashed out at him, accusing him of encouraging such practices during the election campaign.