Following allegations by opposition leaders that Ramya, former Lok Sabha MP and Sandalwood actor, had asked Congress workers to take back a cheque for Rs 1 lakh given to the family of a deceased farmer by Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi during his visit on October 8, she wrote an open letter addressed to the people of Mandya refuting such a thing ever happened.
Deccan Herald report on October 11 said that JD(S) Member of Parliament C S Puttaraju has accused ex-MP Ramya of issuing a cheque that was not crossed to the family of the farmer.
The newspaper quoted Puttaraju saying that, “Following Ramya’s complaint about the matter to AICC leaders, the cheque has been withdrawn. The GP member has returned it to Congress leaders as Ambareesh called me and asked me to return the cheque because it has not been crossed. Was Rahul Gandhi invited to console the farmers and to pay them the compensation or to play petty politics?”
“People will show where Ramya stands, if she contests an election now. People understand why she shuns public contact and visits the district discreetly,” he added.
None of the Congress workers had contacted the family to return the cheque that was taken back after being presented by Rahul Gandhi, complained Shobha, widow of the farmer told News9.
District Congress Committee President M S Athmananda said,“As some errors were noticed in the cheque, it was withdrawn."
However, on Thursday, Congress workers reportedly returned the cheque to the deceased farmer’s wife.
Clarifying that she was in no way involved in this issue apart from being a witness to when the cheque was presented to the family, Ramya writes the open letter published on Facebook addressed to the people of Mandya on October 15.
“A message to the people of Mandya.
My political opponents are leveling baseless allegations against me. They are busy trying to defame me. At such a time, you have filled me with self-confidence. You have stood by me and blessed me as if I were a daughter of your family.
I am grateful that you gave me a chance to serve you. I have to share some truths with people of Mandya through this message.
I was on a tour of the district on October 8, when I came to know of a farmer committing suicide in Pandavapura. I was filled with sorrow at the plight of the farmer's family particularly his children.
I consoled the distraught family. I apologised to them since I had approached them empty handed. I promised to help them beyond my capacity. The villagers had requested me to discuss the suicide with Chief Minister and Rahul Gandhi.
During Rahul Gandhi's visit to the village, the CM, Dr. G Parameshwara, a few cabinet ministers and I consoled the family of the farmer.
In the presence of the AICC Vice-President, a cheque of Rs 1 lakh was handed over to the family. The next day I came to know through media that some political leaders had made unfounded allegations. I would like to make it clear through this letter that I have made no efforts to get the cheque back. I do not play with the emotions of the farmers.
My commitment and integrity have been hurt and this has caused me deep distress.
Regards,
Ramya.”