Now, Voters Demand Cash For Vote

To influence voters, distribution of cash and liquor has become a common trend in the Indian context. Just like inflation and essential commodities, every election be it mainstream or by-election, they have become expensive. When it comes to Telangana, never before in history, elections were this expensive. Until the other day Huzurabad was reckoned as the costliest by-election and Munugode has gone past Huzurabad shortly.

The current mood in Munugode is that a single vote is costing Rs 5000 and this is a minimum price. Besides cash distribution, Gold coins, cricket kits, lunch/dinner gatherings with and without liquor have been rampant in Munugode in the last 30 days or so.

Incidentally a bizarre event took place in one of the villages that falls in Munugode constituency. Villagers of Koratikal have protested for ‘NOT’ distributing cash. The surrounding villages were given money and liquor by all the major political parties but somehow they missed out Koratikal village.

Learning that surrounding villages were given Rs 5000 to Rs 10,000 per person and one thola of Gold, the villagers of Koratikal protested in front of leaders of various parties. They questioned why they were discriminated against in giving poll gifts i.e, money and liquor. With just a day left for the polling, the villagers were worried that they would miss out on a chance to get cash and gold. This protest by villagers of Koratikal has shocked many. Netizens are making satirical comments saying that the people who are holding back on the issue of leaders have become more conscious here.

And It is reported that during the last one month, sales of liquor in Munugode constituency alone have been worth Rs.200 crores. What proof is needed to record Munugode as the most expensive by-election in Indian electoral history.