Visakhapatnam: Politicians in Visakhapatnam have pulled out all stops to buy votes. Unlike in previous elections where the candidates used to pay Rs 300 to Rs 500 per vote, the asking rate has now shot up to Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000.
The cost of contesting elections has increased; there are some constituencies where the candidates have spent over Rs 20 crore on the polls.
On Wednesday, followers of the candidates were busy distributing cash; reports of even apartment dwellers taking money were received. Some voters living in better off areas also accepted money to cast their vote in favour of a particular party or individual.
With only hours to go before polling starts, activists struggled to reach as many voters as possible to buy their democratic right.
In Visakhapatnam East Assembly constituency, voters were bought over at the rate of Rs 1,000 per head, and if a family opted to go on sale, the price naturally went up.
Candidates even offered Rs 2,000 per head in Gajuwaka, while the price ranged from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 depending on the area, in Visakhapatnam North and Visakhapatnam West.
The candidates also kept an eye on the amount distributed by the opposition parties to ensure that they ‘outbid’ them.
As per sources, candidates mobilised the funds before the election notification was issued.
While check posts were set up on the roads leading to the city, inside the city, the checks were cursory.
Just to be safe, candidates used escort vehicles to alert the vehicle carrying the cash in case of any checks in the city.
The candidates were not really troubled about shifting the money; it was the number of people ready to sell away their right for a paltry amount that amazed them. Some people also complained to the candidates that they didn’t get the money.
