Friday, January 21 2005 15:50 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Mumbai: Accusing the Congress of spoiling the political arena by using its money power, the Shiv Sena Supremo Bal Thackeray today (Jan 21, 2005) alleged that the same party had won Maharashtra elections recently by seeking votes on the strength of money.

A lot of money was distributed by the Congress in the recently held Assembly elections in the State for getting votes and almost Rs five to seven crores was spent on each constituency, Thackeray alleged in his party's mouthpiece "Saamna".

Thackeray said: "the auction of people have began in politics", and alleged "the Congress has spoiled the political system in the country."

"Earlier, the elections were fought on principles, but it was not so now. There is no value for principles in politics and money has become a must," Thackeray said.

People vote for the party that gives them money, he said adding that businessmen change their affiliation towards the party that is in power.

"I have experienced the closeness shown by people when the party is in power and maintaining a distance from the party when it was out of power," he said adding that it was quite an experience to study the behaviour of the people.