The aim is to show that they will have enough of a majority of MPs to form a government and to claim the premiership.

Seniors of the two parties are at secret talks with candidates from the two parties as well as other parties tipped to win at the August 17 polls.

On offer for them from the wealthy businessmen involved are ministerial positions, cash and various privileges.

By the time the new parliament holds its first meeting on September 01, elected MPs would sell themselves for millions of rupees, ‘Irida Divaina’ adds.