Insta
Representative image of an alcohol store in Hyderabad. (NOAH SEELAM/AFP/Getty Images)
Prior to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, liquor valued at around Rs 33.59 crore has been seized by authorities in Karnataka, making it the second-ranked state countrywide in the confiscation of alcohol, reports The Economic Times.
The revelation has been made by data released by the Election Commission. In comparison, liquor seized in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu, traditionally more infamous for voters being swayed by handouts of alcohol, is valued at a mere Rs 2.39 crore.
Moreover, authorities have also seized hard cash to the tune of Rs 25.71 crore in raids carried out across Karnataka.
Additional Chief Electoral Officer K G Jagadish stated that not all seized liquor is necessarily was meant for influencing the electorate. These were simply instances where the quantity of liquor found was more than what was legally allowed.
“But we do this so that it acts as a deterrent, and to ensure it is not used to influence voters,” he remarked.
Political analyst S Mahadeva Prakash said that Karnataka is the worst when it comes to the practice of influencing voters through alcohol.
“These practices have existed since the 1970s when prohibition was removed. In Tamil Nadu, there is at least a partial prohibition in place and it is implemented strictly,” he said.
He explained that in some remote parts of the state, parties try to dissuade the supporters of their rivals from appearing to vote on election day by supplying them with large quantities of alcohol beforehand.
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.
Latest