Mysuru, DHNS: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, on Saturday, courted controversy by handing over Rs 1,000 to a boy outside the polling booth at his native Siddaramanahundi, My­suru district, on?Saturday.

Siddaramaiah was about to board his car parked outside the booth, when a group of five ‘Devara Guddappa’ (a sect of people called god’s worshippers in rural parts), beating cymbals, came near the chief minister with a boy. The chief minister, who is usually generous, handed over a note of Rs 1,000 to the boy. Earlier, when the chief minister was walking towards the main gate of the booth after casting his vote , an elderly person touched his feet. The security personnel swung into action by pulling the man away. Siddaramaiah also distributed money to some villagers later, after having lunch at his friend and former ZP member Kempeeraiah’s house.

It was seen as an usual gesture on the part of Siddaramaiah, who is generous whenever a person in his village comes to him. However, according to the code of conduct, distributing money near booth is a violation of law, as it amounts to allurement. A snake was spotted near the polling booth about 45 minutes before Siddaramaiah arrived there to cast his vote. The slithering creature was beaten to death by a few villagers. Speaking to mediapersons later, Siddaramaiah reiterated that the Congress would win more seats in the zilla and taluk panchayat elections

Photo credit: DHNS