‘Money, liquor flowingfreely in Huzurabad’

Hyderabad: Seizure of Rs 1.57 crore during the Huzurabad bypoll campaign was only the tip of the iceberg compared to the actual amount being spent by parties, according to independent observers.

Police and excise officials have also seized liquor worth Rs 53 lakh, about 3.5 kg of ganja, 30 gm gold and 14 kg silver so far. Observers said with the campaign temperature rising, both the ruling party as well as the opposition were going all out to woo the voters by pumping in huge amount of money and liquor.

Telangana chief electoral officer Shashank Goel said, “I have held a review meeting with all departments, including income tax, excise and police at Karimnagar. They were asked not to allow any money or liquor or any other means of luring voters. They are conducting checks frequently. There are three observers posted. Inter-disciplinary teams are also in action. We have been booking Model Code of Conduct violations.”

Goel further said, “Political parties are filing complaints against each other. We are forwarding the same to district authorities and returning officers to check the veracity. Reports are sent to ECI. We had a meeting with representatives of the political parties where several issues were discussed.”

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