Bengaluru, Nov 29 (IANS): "Election time is a free-for-all allegations time," said Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson G. Madhusudhana here on Thursday.

"Allegations are made against every candidate during the election time," said Madhusudhana when enquired about a BJP candidate luring voters with a gold coin.

Madhusudhana was reflecting on allegations by the Karnataka Congress that BJP Hospete by-election candidate Anand Singh was violating the model code of conduct by offering gold coin to people attending his son's wedding.

Basavaraj Rayareddy, Congress in-charge for poll-bound Vijayanagara Assembly seat on Wednesday alleged Singh planned to gift voters with 8gm gold coins embossed with goddess Lakshmi's image on December 1.

According to the Congress, Singh has invited 40,000 people for his son's wedding and is expecting nearly 55,000 attendees.

Rayareddy also claimed Singh had set up Rs 2 crore pandal for the event in addition to making extravagant banquet preparations.

Ridiculing the Congress allegations, Madhusudhana said all this war of words encompassing allegations, counter-allegations and explanations was a waste of time and energy. "Simply ignore the allegations," he said.

On December 5, the by-elections will be held in Athani, Kagwad, Gokak, Yellapura, Hirekerur, Ranibennur, Vijaynagara, Chickballapura, K.R. Pura, Yeshwanthpura, Mahalakshmi Layout, Shivajinagara, Hosakote, K.R. Pete and Hunsur.

For the 15 Assembly by-elections, 165 candidates, including 126 Independents and 9 women, are in the fray. The counting will take place on December 9.