Khammam: As the campaign ended in Palair byelection, political parties concentrated on influencing the voters by using other means such as distribution of money to the voters.
Arguments between ruling party and Left party workers have been taking place on the money distribution issue in seven villages under Kusumanchi, Nelakondapalli and Tirumalayapalem mandals.
Money was seized at several places in the constituency and special squads responded to complaints from the people. Special squad seized Rs 1.45 lakh from the house of the sarpanch of Kusumanchi. Likewise, Rs 1 lakh has been recovered at Kachirajugudem under Khammam Rural mandal from ruling party workers.
Election Commission asked the people to call toll free numbers 08742-238222 and 08742-242777 on poll irregularities. A complaint was lodged against the vigilance team in Nelakondapalli mandal on non-action against persons who are distributing money to the voters. The team members told them they would swing into action after they received directions from the higher officials.
The workers of the ruling party argued with the police officials for objecting to money distribution at Jeellacheruvu under Kusumanchi mandal. Though the Election Commission directed the non-locals to vacate Palair but people from other segments are moving in various villages.
An interesting factor is, a party is giving money less than the voter expected in some villages. K. Prasad, an activist in Tirumalayapalem said, voters expressed discontent when the party workers gave Rs 500 each in a colony in Tirumalayapalem mandal.
On the other hand, all parties organised rallies and public meetings on the last day of the campaign. CPM took out a huge rally at Nelakondapalli and party candidate led the programme. Voters are being counselled on the electronic voting machines.
