HAVERI: JD(U) president M P Nadagouda expressed his concern over the involvement of money power in the election, by demanding CBI probe be initiated for the more than Rs 25 crore recovered so far by officials in different parts of the state.

Addressing reporters in Haveri on Saturday, he said that since the money is brought in by helicopters and distributed to voters in some constituencies, he urged the election officials to keep vigil on those helicopters also.

"JD(U) is the only party which believes that economic growth is meaningless unless it benefits all segments of society and would redouble effects to ensure equity and justice particularly by mainstreaming the minorities, SC,ST and backward classes," Nadagouda said, adding, "Our party is committed to zero-tolerance to any communal strife and is fully secular in its policy and practices and does not subscribe any other ideology on divisive issues relating to communal amity like construction of Ram temple, application of uniform civil code or the abrogation of Article 370. We believe that Dalit Muslims along with Dalit Christians should be included under the purview of Article 341 of our Constitution."

Nadagouda said, "Given India's young demography, its talent and scientific temper inherent in our youth, we will seek to create a knowledge society and an environment which fosters innovation and quest for the frontier of knowledge. We shall seek policies which can create an intellectual ferment and reinforce our quest to become a knowledge society and destination," Nadagouda added.

JD(U) general secretary M S Korishettar was present. Nadagouda was in Haveri to participate in campaign seeking votes in favour of Prabhu Patil.