Poll expenditure shooting over Rs 3cr in a ward; distribution of gold, silver coins in selected wards

Hyderabad: The ongoing Municipal elections in Telangana are witnessing highest ever poll expenditure thanks to several innovative packages to lure voters. Candidates are spending over Rs3 crore in a ward, and this highlights the future corruption at the local bodies, observes a political analyst.

“Candidates are distributing gold and silver coins, sarees, crediting the amount of over Rs 3,000 per vote via apps, etc. Candidates are distributing gold and silver coins in Boduppal area. One candidate distributed Rs 50,000 to every family of over four votes. In many places, voters are also demanding for such gifts and cash. After winning, the councillors will mint money several times of their poll expenditure. This is how corruption is beginning from voters and going peak at local bodies,” said the analyst.

This apart, distribution of liquor and biryani is limitless in almost all the wards. Among all the municipalities and municipal corporations, wards in Boduppal and Medchal zones are high in demand. Candidates are distributing gold and silver coins. Police arrested a candidate with Rs 5lakh cash in Boduppal.

According to the reports, candidates are distributing cash up to Rs 10,000 per vote in Badangpet division.

“Particularly, candidates are targeting Basti associations and colony welfare associations and apartments. Candidates are handing over the post-dated cheques to welfare associations. If a particular candidate loses the election, then he will take back his cheques. Colony associations and apartment welfare associations are coming forward to discuss with candidates about development works required in the wards. Some candidates had promised to take up the development works with their own funds after winning the elections,” said a president of apartment association in Nizampet.

Taking the corruption to further high, few candidates in Mahbubnagar promised the voters a bunch of tourism packages. Candidates in Ramagundam Municipal corporation distributed liquor, biryani and Rs 5,000 per vote.

A candidate distributed chicken birds to voters in Medak. Acting upon a tip-off, Police tried to intervene distributing the chicken, but face resistance from the voters.