Polls near, liquor parties increase

Hyderabad: Liquor parties for voters are becoming rampant as the polling day for the first of phase of general elections in Andhra Pradesh is fast approaching. As meetings, campaigning and rallies are at its peak in the summer heat, the voters are very well taken care of by agents who get them to the events. Candidates who are leaving no stone unturned to win the election are offering everything to lure voters. And, liquor tops the list.

With lots of liquor being seized by electoral officials, the candidates are resorting to safe, simple techniques. The agents of candidates who manage crowds are supplying slips to voters containing the name and number of nearby liquor shops where the voters can buy what they want within Rs. 500-800. However, the slips are not given to everyone in the crowd, but depends on how important the voter is. There are some people from the labour class, who have been given Rs. 200 each.

"Further, to ensure the presence of the crowd cheap whisky bottles are supplied. If the meeting gets delayed more liquor is supplied,” said Rajanna, the local organiser for a regional party’s meeting in the city on Sunday. Much before the meeting is held at a particular place, the supporters of the candidates are known to fix a deal with nearby liquor shops. Then they supply slips to the voters which includes the number of liquor bottles to be supplied. Some also includes food.

While this is how candidates are functioning, the same voter group that attended a candidate’s meeting do not hesitate to join the road show and meeting of other Lok Sabha or Assembly contestant in the fray. Thus, many voters are having a gala time with unlimited amounts of liquor flowing for them.