If the traffic chaos on Monday triggered anger, Kumaraswamy’s callous statement evoked deep disgust

If the traffic chaos on Monday triggered anger, Kumaraswamy’s callous statement evoked deep disgust
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bangalore: How much did JD(S) spend for its grand convention at the Bangalore Palace Grounds on Monday? Who were the donors?
The bill of a whopping Rs 12 crore was paid for by donors, ranging from businessmen -cum-party leaders, former ministers, MLAs and district unit presidents. The money was spent largely on transportation, pandal with seating arrangement, food, fee for utilizing the services (for venue and police deployment).
The party spent a lot on transportation itself. The leaders announced that people would come in about 6,000-7,000 vehicles from all over the state. The party hired 2,700 government buses at Rs 4.36 crore. The total money spent on transportation will go up steeply if private transport vehicles and personal vehicles are also taken into account.
To erect the 2,500 feet x 950 feet pandal which provided cover for 1.75 lakh chairs, the party spent Rs 40 lakh (JDS insiders said the service was offered at a concession). The expenditure on the folk performances, artistes and art works was Rs 1.25 lakh.
According to a senior party leader, to manage the crowd and traffic, the party paid around Rs 1.2 lakh (Rs 1,04120 plus 12.5% VAT) to the Bangalore City police. About 1,000 police personnel were on the streets maintaining law and order and managing traffic. Despite this, there was chaos on the roads and severe inconvenience to people.
“Each one has chipped in with his bit,’’ said party sources. For instance, JD(S) state chief H D Kumaraswamy sponsored food for party workers. Asked about the expenditure, Kumaraswamy said: “There are several people in the party who are well-off. They contributed for the convention.’’ However, he didn’t reveal the break-up or the names of donors.
Won’t do it again
As the government allotted so many buses to the rally, the passengers across the state had to suffer. Referring to this, transport minister R Ashok said they would take care while allotting government buses to political rallies in future. “Only excess buses will be given on hire,’’ he added.
EXPENDITURE
Pandal and seating
Rs 40 lakh
Police
Rs 1.2 lakh
Government buses
Rs 4.36 crore
Cultural performances
Rs 1.25 lakh